> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpcenter.channable.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpcenter.channable.com/get-started/getting-started-agencies/agency-dashboard/types-of-access-to-client-companies.md).
# Types of access to client companies
Learn the difference between direct and agency access to client companies in the Agency Dashboard and why we recommend agency access.
{% hint style="info" %}
For the broader Agency Partner Program overview, see [Get started as an agency](/get-started/getting-started-agencies/get-started-as-an-agency.md).
{% endhint %}
There are two options to have client companies appear in the Agency Dashboard:
* **Direct access:** Your email address has been directly invited to the company as an [**Owner**, **Employee**, or **Collaborator**](/account-billing/manage-your-account-and-settings/manage-user-roles-in-a-channable-account.md#user-roles-in-channable).
* **Agency access:** You have access to the company because it's connected to your agency through the Agency Dashboard. You can [request access with a link](/get-started/getting-started-agencies/agency-dashboard/request-access-to-existing-companies.md) or [create a new company from the dashboard](/get-started/getting-started-agencies/agency-dashboard/create-a-new-company-for-your-client.md).
Since you can access companies in one of two ways, the companies one colleague sees in your **Agency Dashboard** may differ from the companies your colleague sees.
Why can't I connect with a partner code?
A company can work with more than one agency, but it can only store **one** partner code. That means only one agency would be linked, and the others would be missed.
To make sure the company is connected correctly, **request access with a link** instead.
### Agency access
Agency access allows you to access a company by requesting access as an agency or creating a company directly from your Agency dashboard.
{% hint style="info" %}
#### Example
Anna, Peter, and Max work at an agency and use Channable to manage their 3 clients. They have a shared **Agency Dashboard**.
* Client 1 invites Anna to edit in their company by sending them an invitation (Direct access).
* Client 2 invites Peter to edit in their company by sending them an invitation (Direct access).
* Anna creates a new company for Client 3 directly from their **Agency Dashboard**.
Max is a intern at the agency. Anna adds him as one of their **Agency users** so he can access the shared **Agency Dashboard**.
**What each will see in their shared dashboard:**
**Anna:** Client 1 and 3. She won't see Client 2 due to a lack of access rights or invitation to that client.
**Peter:** Client 2 and 3. He won't see Client 1 due to a lack of access rights or invitation to that client.
**Max:** Client 3 only.
{% endhint %}
### Direct access
Direct access happens when you send an invite to join a company from the company's client account.
**How to set direct access**
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Modern version" %}
While in a company, click **Company settings** in the sidebar, or select the **\[your company]** dropdown and click **Company settings**. Then select **Manage access**.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Legacy version" %}
While in a company, click **Company settings** in the sidebar, then select **Manage access**.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
From there, you can invite a user to join that company.
#### Connected companies
The **Connected companies** tab lists companies connected to your agency. If a company appears on your main **Agency dashboard** overview but not in this tab, that means you have direct access to that company and need to convert access if you want other colleagues to be able to view it.
### Check your access type
I have direct access and want my agency colleagues to see my clients
To give all agency colleagues access to the same companies:
1. Next to a company with **Direct Access**, click **Convert access**. All agency users can then access that company.
2. The company owner will receive an email about the connection. They can disconnect the company from your agency.
Check the **Access Type** column in your **Agency dashboard**.
* **Agency access:** The company is connected to your agency. Your role shows as **Marketer** or **Agency Lead**.
* **Direct access:** Your email address is invited to the company. Your role shows as **Employee**, **Collaborator**, or **Owner**.
The image identifies companies with agency access and direct access.
### Why use Agency access
#### Simplified client management
* If you add a new client company via your Agency dashboard, all agency users can access the client account.
* If you stop working with a client, any one of your agency users with edit access can remove the company from your Agency Dashboard.
#### Streamlined agency user management
* All agency users can access connected client companies. This keeps work moving when a colleague is unavailable.
* Your Agency Lead can easily add new colleagues to your shared Agency Dashboard, so they can access all connected client companies without needing to request permissions.
* If a colleague leaves your agency, you can remove them from your agency users to automatically restrict their access to your client's companies.
####
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