> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://magica-help.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Should I use chat, Tools, API, or MCP?

> Choose the surface based on the outcome and how much control you need.

Choose the surface based on the outcome you want and how much direct control you need.

| Your goal | Best place to start |
| - | - |
| Complete a one-time or open-ended task | New task |
| Run one supported tool from a catalog | Tools |
| Call Galaxy from your own software | API |
| Let an MCP-compatible client use Galaxy | MCP |

## Use a task for outcomes

Choose **New task** when you know the result you want but do not want to design every step. The agent can write, search, generate or crop images, merge videos, and load skills.

Example: “Generate a snowy mountain at dusk, then crop the sky.”

## Use Tools for one capability

Open **Tools** when you want to see the supported catalog: GPT Image 2, Crop Image, Merge Videos, Web search, Sandbox, and skills. The agent still calls these from chat; the Tools page is the catalog, not a separate runner.

## Use API or MCP for external access

Use the API when your application should create chats and poll runs. Use MCP when a compatible client should discover the same tools.

Public API docs: [https://magica-adi.mintlify.site/](https://magica-adi.mintlify.site/)


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