> ## 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.

# Backends

> Understand and manage Agent Canvas backends.

A **backend** is an [agent server](/sdk/guides/agent-server/overview#what-is-a-remote-agent-server) and the workspace it operates in. All conversations, settings, and automations run against whichever backend is currently selected.

## Connecting to a Backend

Any Agent Canvas frontend can connect to any Agent Canvas backend. Use the backend switcher in the UI to open **Manage Backends**, where you can add, edit, or remove entries. Each entry stores a display name, host URL, and an API key for authentication.

Settings, LLM configuration, MCP servers, and automations are all scoped to the active backend — switching backends switches all of these.

## Recommended Setups

| Setup                    | When to use                                                                                | How                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Default local**        | Quick local work on your machine                                                           | Run `agent-canvas` — a local backend is created automatically                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| **Backend-only (local)** | Multiple projects, or separate frontend and backend processes                              | Run `agent-canvas --backend-only` (optionally on different ports), connect with `--frontend-only`. See [Local Backend](/openhands/usage/agent-canvas/backend-setup/local).                                                                                    |
| **Self-hosted VM**       | Always-on server, more powerful hardware, team-shared access, or a full self-hosted Canvas | Run `agent-canvas --backend-only --public` for backend-only mode, or `agent-canvas --public` for the full UI and backend. Expose it with SSH, ngrok, or a reverse proxy. See [VM / Self-Hosted Installation](/openhands/usage/agent-canvas/backend-setup/vm). |
| **Cloud**                | Managed sandboxes without local resources                                                  | Connect to [OpenHands Cloud](/openhands/usage/cloud/openhands-cloud) from **Manage Backends**. See [Cloud Backend](/openhands/usage/agent-canvas/backend-setup/cloud).                                                                                        |
| **Modal**                | Cloud backend with per-second billing, no VM management                                    | Deploy the agent server on [Modal](https://modal.com) with a single command. See [Modal Backend](/openhands/usage/agent-canvas/backend-setup/modal).                                                                                                          |