> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.trychannel3.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Agent via UCP

If your agent already supports UCP, connect it to Channel3's global catalog for product search and lookup across stores.

## 1. Install the UCP CLI

```bash theme={null}
npm install -g @shopify/ucp-cli
```

The CLI is optional for your agent, but it is the fastest way to discover and test the Channel3 UCP profile.

## 2. Discover and configure the catalog

Channel3 hosts its profile at `ucp.trychannel3.com`, exposing the same catalog as the REST API through UCP tools.

```bash theme={null}
ucp discover --business https://ucp.trychannel3.com --format json
ucp profile init --name channel3 --catalog https://ucp.trychannel3.com --activate
```

Your runtime connects to `https://ucp.trychannel3.com/mcp`. The profile provides `search_catalog`, `lookup_catalog`, and `get_product`.

## 3. Test a search

Search works on the Anonymous tier, so you can try it without an API key.

```bash theme={null}
ucp catalog search \
  --set /query='running shoes' \
  --set '/pagination/limit=5' \
  --format json
```

The response contains matching products, offers, and a pagination cursor. See the [UCP quickstart](/ucp/quickstart) for curl examples too.

## 4. Add Token-tier authentication

For production traffic, higher limits, and monetized buy links, [create an API key](https://trychannel3.com/sign-up/developer) and send it on every catalog request.

```bash theme={null}
export CHANNEL3_API_KEY="ch3_live_..."

ucp catalog search \
  --header "x-api-key: $CHANNEL3_API_KEY" \
  --set /query='running shoes' \
  --set '/pagination/limit=5' \
  --format json
```

Buy URLs are attributed to you, so commissions from partner brands can apply.

## 5. Enable your agent

Point your UCP-compatible agent at the Channel3 profile and let it use the catalog tools:

```text theme={null}
Search Channel3 for running shoes under $150 that are in stock. Compare the
best options and include the buy link for each.
```

Use UCP when your agent specifically needs the UCP profile and tool shape. For most agents, [MCP](/use-cases/mcp-agent) is simpler. Learn more in the [UCP catalog overview](/ucp/index).