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Overview

Giving your workers access to tools like Gmail, Notion, or Google Calendar works differently than traditional software. Think of it like onboarding a new employee: they need both the right equipment and login credentials to do their job.
Note: Slack is configured as a communication channel by inviting your worker directly to your Slack workspace, rather than as a tool in Settings > Tools. See the Communication Channels guide for details.
Connections belong to the selected workspace (with attribution to the person who connected them), not to a member’s personal subscription. Open Settings > Tools to connect an app. Then open the worker’s Tools to grant access to that connection. See Workspaces. Spinnable uses a two-level system:
  1. Connect the app in Settings > Tools for the selected workspace — authenticate the intended account.
  2. Grant the worker access in its Tools section — add the tool and select the correct connection.
A tool won’t work unless both steps are complete. A connection under Settings > Tools does not grant any worker access by itself.

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Understanding Tool States

Here’s what each state means for your worker:

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Connect an App in the Workspace

  1. Switch to the workspace that contains the worker and open Settings > Tools.
  2. Connect the intended app account and complete its authorization. A workspace connection is attributed to the person who connected it; it does not automatically enable the app for every worker.
  3. Check that the connection is available. If authorization fails, retry or reconnect it.

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Grant Worker Access

  1. Open the worker and select Tools.
  2. Add the appropriate tool and select the intended workspace connection for that worker.
  3. Test a small task and confirm the account and capabilities match the job. Different workers can use different accounts and tool capabilities.
Only grant access to the tools and app accounts the worker needs. Sharing a worker with a team does not give the team permission to configure its tools; use Co-Managers for configuration help.

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Tools with Granular Access Controls

Some tools are split into multiple versions to give you precise control over what your workers can do. These are clearly labeled in the tool title.

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Examples:

  • Gmail (read) — Worker can read emails but not send them
  • Gmail (send) — Worker can send emails on your behalf
  • Outlook (read) — Worker can read emails but not send them
  • Outlook (send) — Worker can send emails on your behalf
Why this matters: If you only want your worker to monitor your inbox and flag important emails, add Gmail (read) only. If you want them to draft and send responses, add both Gmail (read) and Gmail (send).
You can add one or both depending on your needs. Just remember: grant each required tool capability to the worker; verify the chosen connection supports it.

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Common Scenarios & Mistakes

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“I connected Gmail but my worker can’t send emails”

Check that Gmail (send), not only Gmail (read), has been added to the worker with the correct connection. See Setting Up Tools.

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“The app is connected, but the worker can’t use it”

Check Settings > Tools for the workspace connection, then the worker’s Tools for the assigned tool and account. Re-authorize a failed connection if needed.

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“The worker used the wrong account”

Review the connection selected under the worker’s Tools; use a different app account when you need separation. Verify with a small task.

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Available Tools

Spinnable supports 35+ integrations across communication, productivity, development, and specialized tools.

Browse All Tools

See the complete list of available tools and integrations →
The full list of available tools is always growing. You can also see all current integrations by going to any worker’s page → Tools → Add tool.

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Important Security Notes

Workers have whatever permissions the connected account has. If a worker is granted access to a Gmail account, it may act with that account’s permissions within the scope of its tool (read vs. send).

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Best Practices:

  1. Use worker-specific accounts for sensitive tools — Consider creating dedicated accounts for workers that handle financial data, customer information, or other sensitive materials.
  2. Use granular tools when available — If you only need a worker to read emails, don’t give them send permissions.
  3. Review connected tools regularly — Go to your worker’s Tools page periodically to make sure they only have access to what they need.
  4. Disconnect tools when no longer needed — If a worker’s role changes, remove tools they no longer use.

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Quick Reference: Which Connection Should I Use?

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Need Help?

If you’re stuck or unsure which approach to use, just ask your worker conversationally:
“I want you to access my Gmail, but I’m not sure how to set that up. Can you walk me through it?”
Your worker can guide you through the process step-by-step.