> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cekat.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cekat.ai/en/ai-and-platform/connected-platforms/custom-api.md).

# Custom API

Connect your own platform or messaging app to Cekat.AI using the Custom API.

Use a Custom Channel to send customer messages into Cekat.AI and receive your agents' replies in your own system.

### Before you start

Before you create a custom channel, make sure you have:

* A publicly accessible API endpoint.
* A webhook endpoint to receive outbound messages.
* An authentication method, such as an API key, OAuth or an access token.

### Connecting a Custom Channel

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1. Open **Connected Platform**.
2. Click **+ Add Inbox**.
3. Choose **Custom Channel**.
4. Enter a name for the channel.
5. Set up the webhook endpoint for outbound messages.
6. Set up authentication.
7. Define the request format.
8. Test the connection.
9. Save your configuration.

### How it works

A Custom Channel passes messages back and forth between your system and Cekat.AI.

| Direction         | Description                                                                     |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Inbound messages  | Your app sends customer messages to Cekat.AI using the Custom API.              |
| Outbound messages | Cekat.AI sends agent replies and conversation updates to your webhook endpoint. |

### Supported features

Custom Channel supports:

* Bidirectional messaging
* Webhook notifications
* Custom event mapping
* API key authentication
* OAuth authentication
* Custom authentication headers