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

# Runchat for Grasshopper

> Wire published Runchat workflows into a Grasshopper definition as components, or have the chat agent read and edit your active canvas.

Use any published Runchat workflow as a Grasshopper component. The plugin ships with [Runchat for Rhino](/plugins/rhino), so if you've already installed that, you have this too.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EhhcSL113J8" title="Runchat in Grasshopper" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen />

# Getting Started:

### 1. Install Runchat for Rhino

* In rhino, run `PackageManager`
* Search for Runchat and Install it
* Restart rhino before continuing

### 2. Download the examples

Head to the [Examples page](/node-reference/grasshopper/examples) to download example grasshopper definitions and learn from their matching Runchats.
Or if you just want to download the grasshopper files to get started you can grab them here:

<Info>
  Download a ZIP file of all examples here:
  <a href="https://storage.runchat.app/gh-examples.zip">GH Examples ZIP</a>
</Info>

Once you've unzipped the examples folder, open the 01\_BasicDemo.gh in Grasshopper.

### 3. Link your API key

You will need to create a Runchat API key to connect Grasshopper to your Runchat account.

* Right-click the runchat node in the grasshopper definition and click "Get API Key", or head to [`runchat.com`](http://runchat.com) and create an account or sign in
* Verify your account by following the link sent to your email address
* Whilst logged into your account:
  * Proceed to [runchat.com/dashboard](http://runchat.com/dashboard?newkey=true)
  * Copy your key to your clipboard. If you need another one, you can create one from the account menu.

Back in Grasshopper, open the 01\_BasicDemo.gh file. Right-click the Runchat component and paste your API key in the text field that says "Set API Key".
Press enter to save the key. Your Runchat account is now linked and you can run the examples!

<Check>
  The API key is stored as a local environment variable and is not saved with
  your Grasshopper definition.
</Check>

### 4. Watch the tutorial series to build your own workflows

<iframe width="100%" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLgT771y9VleCS5gxbNS1h6MQ8KxMm--t-" title="Runchat in Grasshopper Tutorials" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen />

### 5. Using the Runchat Agent in Grasshopper (Beta)

You can use the [chat agent](/concepts/agents/chat) in the Runchat Rhino plugin window to interact with your active Grasshopper document.
The agent can:

* Read the canvas and explain what the definition does
* Read the inputs and outputs of individual components
* Search for components and add them to the canvas
* Connect and disconnect components to build definitions

You can use the agent for:

* Asking questions about your grasshopper definition
* Building simple definitions from scratch
* Converting Rhino scripts to grasshopper definitions

For the Grasshopper component reference (utility components, right-click options, troubleshooting), see [Components → Runchat](/node-reference/grasshopper/components/runchat).

## Next steps

* [Grasshopper Examples](/node-reference/grasshopper/examples): downloadable definitions and matching workflows
* [Components → Runchat](/node-reference/grasshopper/components/runchat): full reference for the Runchat component
* [Components → Utilities](/node-reference/grasshopper/components/utilities): screenshot, GLB import, projection, viewport preview helpers