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

# Connections

> Create and manage connections that link data sources to destinations like Slack, Teams, and email. Configure schedules, AI summaries, and delivery options.

## Overview

Connections link your data sources to destinations, enabling automatic chart delivery. Each connection defines what chart to fetch, where to send it, and when to deliver it.

## Connection Components

A connection consists of:

1. **Source**: Where the chart comes from (Google Sheets, HubSpot, Shopify, etc.)
2. **Destination**: Where to send it (Slack, Teams, Email, etc.)
3. **Schedule**: When and how often to send
4. **Configuration**: Message format, AI summary, and other options
5. **Context**: Extra text context about this chart or group.

## Creating a Connection

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose Source">
    Select an existing source or create a new one
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Destination">
    Select where to send the chart
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Schedule">
    Set up when and how often to send
  </Step>

  <Step title="Customize Message">
    Configure message format and options
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test">
    Send a test delivery to verify setup
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate">
    Enable the connection to start automatic delivery
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Connection List

The Connections page shows all your configured connections:

| Column          | Description                       |
| --------------- | --------------------------------- |
| **Name**        | Connection display name           |
| **Source**      | Data source (Google Sheets, etc.) |
| **Destination** | Where charts are sent             |
| **Schedule**    | Frequency of delivery             |
| **Status**      | Active, Paused, or Error          |
| **Last Run**    | Most recent delivery time         |
| **Next Run**    | Upcoming scheduled delivery       |
| **Actions**     | Test, Edit, Pause, Delete         |

## Schedule Configuration

When creating or editing a connection, you can configure how often charts are delivered. The following frequency options are available:

### Frequency Options

| Option          | Description                                              |
| --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Every Hour**  | Delivers once per hour, on the hour                      |
| **Every Day**   | Delivers once per day at a specific time                 |
| **Every Week**  | Delivers on selected days of the week at a specific time |
| **Every Month** | Delivers once per month with flexible day options        |

### Monthly Day Options

When using the **Every Month** frequency, you can choose from three day-of-month options:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Specific Day">
    Choose a specific day of the month (1–27) for delivery. If you need end-of-month delivery, use the "Last Day" option instead.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="First Business Day">
    Delivers on the first weekday (Monday–Friday) of each month. If the 1st of the month falls on a weekend, delivery automatically moves to the following Monday.

    **Examples:**

    * If the 1st is a Tuesday → delivers on the 1st
    * If the 1st is a Saturday → delivers on the 3rd (Monday)
    * If the 1st is a Sunday → delivers on the 2nd (Monday)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Last Day of Every Month">
    Delivers on the last calendar day of each month, regardless of how many days the month has.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Time and Timezone

All schedule times use your organization's configured timezone. You can set your timezone in [Settings → Organisation](https://chartcastr.com/admin/settings?highlight=timezone).

## Plans & Premium Integrations

All users can set up connections with any integration — including configuring, testing, and previewing chart delivery. However, some integrations (such as Shopify, Meta Ads, Xero, Google Search Console, Google Ads, and HubSpot) are premium and require a paid plan to activate.

If you're on the free plan, connections using premium integrations will be created but cannot be enabled until you upgrade. You'll see an error message when attempting to activate them.

<Note>
  Some integrations are currently in **private beta** and may require an invitation to access. Contact us if you're interested in early access.
</Note>

## Connection Status

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Active">
    Running normally on schedule
  </Card>

  <Card title="Paused">
    Temporarily disabled
  </Card>

  <Card title="Error">
    Requires attention
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Add Sources" icon="plus" href="/integrations/sources">
    Connect Google Sheets or other data providers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manage Destinations" icon="share-nodes" href="/integrations/destinations">
    Configure Slack, Teams, or Email for chart delivery.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>