> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.eesel.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.eesel.ai/integrations/chat-surfaces.md). # Channels Channels where customers talk to your AI agent: a chat widget on your website, an inline embed, a public chat link, your helpdesk's live chat, WhatsApp, or a phone call. A channel is a place your customers chat with your AI agent in real time: a chat widget on your own website, a chat inside one of your pages, a page eesel hosts for you, your helpdesk's live chat widget, or your support phone line. Every channel reaches the same agent, with the same knowledge and instructions. Channels are where your customers talk to your AI teammate. On your own site, on a page eesel hosts for you, or in your helpdesk's chat widget. It answers from your site, your help center and everything else you have connected, and links the page it used. On a store it also recommends products, checks stock and looks up an order. {% hint style="info" %} **Using Claude Code, Codex or Cursor?** Ask it to add chat to your site with [eesel CLI](https://docs.eesel.ai/apis-and-developer-resources/cli). Point it to the [setup guide](https://docs.eesel.ai/getting-started/set-up-from-a-coding-agent). **Using Claude.ai or ChatGPT?** Use the eesel connector (MCP). See [Claude and other assistants](/apis-and-developer-resources/use-eesel-from-claude-and-other-assistants.md) or [ChatGPT](/apis-and-developer-resources/use-eesel-from-chatgpt.md). If the eesel connector is already linked to the correct workspace, keep using it. For steps it cannot complete, use the dashboard. **CLI details for your coding tool:** The CLI can create eesel widgets, read their settings and return preview URLs. Use the setup guide for Chat Bubble; Inline Embed and Public Chat Link have commands in their guides below. Add the returned code or URL to your site, then test an answer there. Zendesk Messenger and Freshchat still need their own admin and authorization steps. You can also use the dashboard. {% endhint %} | Channel | Where it lives | How you add it | Handing over to a person | Best for | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | | [**Chat Bubble**](/integrations/chat-surfaces/chat-bubble.md) | A floating button in the corner of your website | One script tag before ``, on any platform | Opens Zendesk Messenger or Freshchat if you run one, or follows handover rules such as creating a helpdesk ticket | An AI chatbot on every page of your site or store | | [**Inline Embed**](/integrations/chat-surfaces/inline-chat.md) | Inside one page of your site, as part of the page | One iframe pasted into the page | Follows handover rules, such as creating a helpdesk ticket | Contact pages, help centers and docs pages | | [**Public Chat Link**](/integrations/chat-surfaces/public-chat.md) | A page hosted by eesel, shared by link | Nothing to install. Anyone with the link can chat, no sign-in | Follows handover rules, such as creating a helpdesk ticket | Trying your agent out, or sending it to a customer or partner | | [**Zendesk Messenger**](/integrations/helpdesks/zendesk/zendesk-messenger.md) | Your existing Zendesk Messaging widget | Approve eesel for Zendesk Conversations, then pick eesel AI as the bot in Zendesk | Hands the chat to your team as a Zendesk ticket | Teams already on Zendesk live chat | | [**Fresh Chat**](/integrations/helpdesks/freshdesk/freshchat.md) | Your existing Freshchat widget | An API token and a webhook, on top of your Freshdesk connection | Assigns the chat to a group or an agent | Teams already on Freshchat | | [**WhatsApp Business**](/integrations/chat-surfaces/whatsapp.md) | Your own WhatsApp Business number | Sign in with Meta and pick your number | No built-in handover yet. Your agent can still use your other connected apps, such as creating a helpdesk ticket, if your instructions say so | Customers who message your business on WhatsApp | | [**Phone calls**](/integrations/chat-surfaces/phone-calls.md) | Your support phone line | Not self-serve yet: contact us, and we set up a number with you | Transfers the call to your team's number, or offers a call back | Teams that take support calls | The first three, WhatsApp Business and Phone calls are eesel's own and work with any helpdesk, or none. Zendesk Messenger and Fresh Chat reuse the knowledge that helpdesk connection already gave your teammate. If your app is missing, the [integrations overview](/integrations/overview.md) has the full list, and how to ask for one. ## FAQ
What is the difference between the eesel chat bubble, inline embed and public chat link? The chat bubble floats in the corner of every page of your website, the inline embed sits inside one page as part of its content, and the public chat link is a page eesel hosts that you share by link. All three reach the same agent with the same knowledge and instructions, and you can run them together.
Which eesel channel should I use to add an AI chatbot to my website? Use the [Chat Bubble](/integrations/chat-surfaces/chat-bubble.md) to add an AI chatbot to every page of your website. If you want the chat inside one page instead, such as a contact or help page, use the [Inline Embed](/integrations/chat-surfaces/inline-chat.md). If your site already runs Zendesk Messenger or Freshchat, eesel can answer in that widget instead.
Can one eesel agent answer on several channels at once? Yes. One agent can answer in the chat bubble, an inline chat, a public link and your helpdesk at the same time, with one set of instructions. The chat bubble, inline embed and public link each also have an **Instructions for this channel** box for anything that should apply only there.
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