---
title: "Tools And Apps"
description: "Understand the tools, apps, MCP servers, system skills, and custom capabilities a Gobii can use."
sidebar_label: "Tools And Apps"
---

Tools and apps expand what a Gobii can do. Keep the model simple: give each Gobii the smallest set of capabilities it needs for the job, then add more only when the workflow requires them.

## Tool types

| Type | What it is | Typical audience |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Built-in tools | Core Gobii capabilities such as files, communication, web work, HTTP requests, search, charts, PDFs, and human input. | Users |
| Connected apps | SaaS and app integrations connected through Gobii's app connection flows. | Users and admins |
| MCP servers | Model Context Protocol servers that expose external tools or data sources to Gobiis. | Advanced users, admins, developers |
| System skills | Product-level capability bundles such as planning, Meta Gobii, connected app channels, or domain-specific skills. | Admins and operators |
| Custom tools | Code-backed tools available where sandbox compute is enabled. | Developers and advanced operators |

## Connect only what the Gobii needs

Before enabling a tool or app, ask:

- Does this Gobii need the capability for its role?
- Can the tool read or change sensitive data?
- Does it require credentials or OAuth?
- Should use of the tool require approval?
- Is the tool personal, organization-owned, or platform-provided?

Smaller tool sets make behavior easier to understand and debug.

## App connections

Connected apps let a Gobii use supported external services. Some app flows are interactive: you choose an app, connect it, then assign it to the Gobii.

See [Connect Apps](/using-gobii/connect-apps).

## MCP servers

MCP servers are a flexible way to expose tools and data. They can be personal, organization-scoped, or platform-managed depending on deployment and admin policy.

See [MCP Servers](/using-gobii/mcp-servers) and [Organization MCP Servers](/admin-and-teams/organization-mcp-servers).

## System skills and profiles

System skills are higher-level product capabilities. Examples include runtime planning, Meta Gobii, connected app channels, or other managed skill bundles.

Admins may configure profiles for system skills in some deployments. Treat these as workspace-level capability settings, not ordinary chat prompts.

See [System Skills And Profiles](/admin-and-teams/system-skills-and-profiles).

## Credentials

Do not paste credentials into chat. If a tool or app needs a password, API key, token, or environment-style value, use Gobii's secrets flow.

See [Secrets And Credentials](/using-gobii/secrets-and-credentials).

## Troubleshooting

If a Gobii cannot use a tool:

- Confirm the tool or app is enabled for that Gobii.
- Confirm OAuth or credential setup is complete.
- Check whether the tool is available in the current personal or organization context.
- Review the timeline for a pending approval or secret request.
- Ask the Gobii to explain which tool it tried to use and what blocked it.
