> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.canvasview.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect your agent to CanvasView

> Connect an MCP client or the Claude Code plugin, create a sample decision canvas, and confirm that your agent can retrieve the human answer.

CanvasView gives an agent a link where people can make a decision and return a structured answer. The hosted pilot requires an active account, an API key, and available credits for canvas creation.

## 1. Create an API key

1. Sign in to [CanvasView](https://app.canvasview.dev/sign-in).
2. Open [API keys](https://app.canvasview.dev/settings/keys).
3. Create a named key.
4. Store the key in your client’s secret settings.

## 2. Connect MCP

For Claude Code, [download the CanvasView plugin](https://canvasview.dev/canvasview-plugin.zip). Unzip it. Set `CANVASVIEW_API_KEY` in the environment that launches Claude Code, then run `claude --plugin-dir /path/to/canvasview`.

Other MCP clients can use Streamable HTTP at `https://app.canvasview.dev/mcp`. Send the API key in the `Authorization` header as a bearer token. Keep keys out of prompts and source files.

## 3. Verify the connection

Paste this into the connected agent:

```text theme={null}
Use CanvasView to create a test canvas titled "CanvasView connection check".
Ask "Which should we try first: a checklist or a table?"
Give me both choices and a field for my reason. Use sample data only.
Send me the canvas link so I can submit an answer.
```

Open the returned link and submit your answer. Ask the agent to retrieve it. You should see your choice and reason.

A shared link lets anyone with the URL view the canvas and answer while it is open. Use synthetic data for tests.

## Recover from an error

* If the client rejects the key, check that it is active in API key settings.
* If creation reports insufficient credits, ask the account owner to add credits.
* If a create request times out, ask the agent to look up its original idempotency key before retrying.


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