> For the complete user guide index, see [llms.txt](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/llms.txt).

# Availability and access

[Canonical page](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/reference/availability-and-access/)

## Applicability

- **Task:** Diagnose why a capability or source is unavailable
- **Access:** Public guide; product access remains account-dependent
- **Audience:** Portrait users, admins, and support teams
- **Surfaces:** web; ios; slack; teams; email; cli; mcp
- **Availability:** Production reference
- **Content type:** reference
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-09-24

An absent option can have several causes. Treat these as separate checks.

| Layer | Question | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Release status | Is the capability released on this surface? | A staging-only capability is not public production functionality |
| Account access | Is the workflow enabled for this account or firm? | Slack, Teams, and email using a linked Portrait account require full Easel access; Easel ask and session commands in CLI also require the Easel CLI bridge |
| Data entitlement | Is the firm licensed for the requested source or depth? | Third Bridge and Visible Alpha access depend on firm agreements |
| Surface support | Does this client expose the workflow? | MCP does not expose Easel |
| User identity | Is the intended Portrait user connected? | Slack, Teams, email, CLI, and MCP act as a linked user |
| Usage | Does the relevant bucket have remaining capacity? | Deep Research uses Normal research usage |

## Release labels

- **Production** — released on the named surface; account, entitlement, and usage checks can still apply.
- **Beta** — released with a narrower or changing contract; verify current limits before depending on it.
- **Unreleased** — staging, planned, or otherwise unavailable as public production functionality.

## Access labels

- **Account-gated** — provisioned only for applicable accounts or firms.
- **Entitled** — available only when the firm has the required source or data access.
- **Usage-limited** — subject to the connected account's current usage and concurrency rules.

## Data access does not transfer automatically

A firm's source entitlement determines what Portrait may retrieve and display, but provider licences can still restrict redistribution or connected-surface access. A source visible in the web app is not necessarily available through MCP or an external bridge.

## Diagnose a missing option

1. Confirm the product surface named in the relevant guide.
2. Confirm that you are connected as the intended Portrait user and organization.
3. If you have app access, check **Settings → Usage** in the web app when the workflow consumes included research usage. Usage shows credit balances, not which features are enabled for your account; a Mosaic balance or a feature listed there does not establish access. For an email-only trial, use the allowance or admission notice in the same email thread; that trial has no app sign-in.
4. Check the page for a beta, account, admin, or source-entitlement requirement.
5. [Troubleshoot access and setup](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/more/troubleshoot-access/) or contact the team with the exact surface and observed behaviour.

## Separate connections and grants

| Workflow | Additional check |
|---|---|
| [Scheduled Research](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/scheduled-research/overview/) | Feature access, eligible usage setup, task authorization, and sufficient commitment budget |
| [MCP inside Easel](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/integrations/mcp-in-easel/) | Account access and provider link, selected at session start or restart; BIA tools remain disabled despite setup |
| [Partner API](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/integrations/partner-api/) | Provisioned environment, enabled partner organization, partner audience, and operation scopes |
| [Email-only trial](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/integrations/email-trial/) | Sender approval and remaining trial messages; no app sign-in |

The support assistant cannot inspect these grants or connections from the fact that you mention a feature. A missing control, failed authorization, refused execution, and missing notification require different recovery steps.