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

# Cloud Backend

> Connect Agent Canvas to OpenHands Cloud for on-demand sandboxed execution.

You can connect Agent Canvas to [OpenHands Cloud](/openhands/usage/cloud/openhands-cloud) as a backend. Conversations and automations then run in OpenHands Cloud's on-demand sandboxes instead of on your local machine.

## When to Use It

A Cloud backend is a good fit when you want to:

* Run agents without tying up local resources
* Use OpenHands Cloud's managed sandboxes and integrations
* Keep your local machine for development while offloading agent work

## Prerequisites

* An [OpenHands Cloud](https://app.all-hands.dev) account
* Agent Canvas installed — see [Setup](/openhands/usage/agent-canvas/setup)

## Add a Cloud Backend

1. Open Agent Canvas and click the backend switcher in the top bar.
2. Choose **Manage Backends** → **Add Backend**.
3. Click **Login with OpenHands Cloud** and sign in with your account.

Once connected, select it as the active backend. Conversations will now run in OpenHands Cloud.

### OpenHands Enterprise

If your organization runs OpenHands Enterprise, click **Advanced** in the Add Backend flow and enter your enterprise host URL before signing in.

## What's Different with a Cloud Backend

* **Sandboxed execution** — each conversation runs in an isolated cloud sandbox rather than on your host filesystem.
* **Cloud integrations** — GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Slack, and other integrations configured in OpenHands Cloud are available.
* **Settings are per-backend** — LLM configuration, secrets, and MCP servers saved against the Cloud backend are independent from your local backend settings.

## Related Guides

* [Connect and Manage Backends](/openhands/usage/agent-canvas/backends)
* [OpenHands Cloud](/openhands/usage/cloud/openhands-cloud)
* [Local Backend](/openhands/usage/agent-canvas/backend-setup/local)