Creating Workspace
Complete guide to creating your business Workspace
Creating Workspace
After subscribing to a plan, you must create a Workspace for your business.
A Workspace is your dedicated environment for managing your business. Each business has a separate Workspace.
What is Workspace?
A Workspace provides:
- Isolated Environment: Separate from other businesses
- Unique Subdomain: Access via
https://[subdomain].awalchat.com - Independent Settings: Custom configurations per business
- Secure Access: Protected by authentication
- API Integration: Connect external applications
1. Accessing Workspace Page
Prerequisites
Before accessing the Workspace page, you must have:
- ✅ Active Subscription to a plan
- ✅ Business account created
Important: If you don't have a subscription, you'll see a message requesting subscription first. You can subscribe to the free plan or choose a paid plan.
From Dashboard
- From the business page, navigate to the "Workspace" section or "Setup Workspace"
- If you don't have a subscription, you'll see a message with two options:
- "Subscribe Now": Navigate to pricing page
- "Subscribe to Free Plan": Subscribe to the free plan
- After subscription, the Workspace setup page will appear

2. Workspace Setup Process
The Workspace page displays a multi-step setup process using a Steps system:
Overview of Steps
- Domain Setup: Configure subdomain
- User Data: Set up email and password
- Security Settings: Configure HmacSecret
- Installation & Removal: Install or uninstall Workspace

Navigating Between Steps
- Use "Previous Step" and "Next Step" buttons to navigate
- Or click on any quick navigation card to jump directly to the desired step
- You can navigate freely between steps before installation
3. Step 1: Domain Setup
Setting Up Subdomain
- In the first step, you'll find the "Domain Setup" card
- If you have an existing domain, the current domain will be displayed with "Copy" and "Share" buttons
- Click "Edit" to modify the domain
Entering Domain Name
- In the popup modal, enter the subdomain name
- Requirements:
- Must be unique across the platform
- Can only contain lowercase letters (a-z)
- Can contain numbers (0-9)
- Can contain hyphens (-)
- Cannot start or end with a hyphen
- Minimum: 3 characters
- Maximum: 63 characters
- Domain availability will be checked automatically as you type
- The full domain will be:
https://[username].awalchat.com
⚠️ Important: Domain cannot be changed after creation. Choose your name carefully.
Business UUID
- If available, Business UUID will be displayed in the domain card
- You can copy the UUID for use in integrations

4. Step 2: User Data
Setting Up Login Credentials
- In the second step, you'll find the "User Data" card
- Enter the following information:
- Requirements:
- Must be a valid email address
- Used for logging into Workspace
- Can be changed: Yes, from Workspace settings
Password
- Requirements:
- Minimum: 6 characters
- Strong password recommended
- Can be changed: Yes, from Workspace settings
Security Best Practice: Use a strong, unique password. Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
- Click "Save" to save the data

5. Step 3: Security Settings
Configuring HmacSecret
- In the third step, you'll find the "Security Settings" card
- HmacSecret is a security key used for:
- API authentication
- Webhook verification
- Secure external integrations
Generating HmacSecret
- If you don't have an HmacSecret, click the "Generate" button (Reload icon)
- A new key will be generated automatically
- Or you can enter a custom key
Saving HmacSecret
⚠️ Critical: Save HmacSecret immediately in a secure location:
- Use a password manager
- Or an encrypted file
- You'll need it to connect external applications
- Cannot be retrieved if lost
- You can regenerate it, but this will break existing integrations
Viewing and Copying HmacSecret
- Click the eye icon to view the key
- Click the copy icon to copy the key
- You can open a modal to view the full key
HmacSecret Requirements
- Minimum: 32 characters
- Format: Can contain letters, numbers, and symbols

6. Step 4: Installation & Removal
Note: This step only appears when Workspace status is ready, installed, or active.
Workspace Status
Before installation, check the Workspace status:
- Ready: Ready for installation
- Installed: Installed but not active
- Active: Active and running
- Stopped: Stopped
Installing Workspace
- If status is "Ready", you'll see the "Installation & Removal" card
- Click the "Install" button
- A confirmation modal will appear
- Click "Confirm" to confirm installation
- ⚠️ Important: Do not close the page during installation
During Installation:
- The process may take a few minutes
- Do not close the page or navigate away
- You'll see a progress bar during processing
- A success message will appear when installation completes
Installation Process
During installation, the system:
- Creates your Workspace environment
- Sets up databases
- Configures security
- Prepares all necessary services
- Activates the subdomain
Estimated Time: 2-5 minutes

Uninstalling Workspace
- If Workspace is installed and active, you'll see an "Uninstall" button
- Click "Uninstall"
- A warning confirmation modal will appear
- ⚠️ Warning: This action cannot be undone
- Click "Confirm" to confirm uninstallation
Warning: Uninstalling will:
- Stop all services
- Lose access to Workspace
- May affect connected integrations
7. Accessing Your Workspace
After successful installation:
Link
Workspace is available at:
https://[subdomain].awalchat.com
Where [subdomain] is the domain name you entered in Step 1.
Logging In
- Use the email and password you entered in Step 2
- Log in to the Workspace

Access Methods
You can access your Workspace from:
- Direct Link:
https://[subdomain].awalchat.com - Dashboard: From the Workspace page, click on the link
- Workspace Management Page: From Workspace menu in dashboard
Updating Data
After installation, you can update:
- Domain: Cannot be changed after creation
- Email: From Step 2 (User Data)
- Password: From Step 2 (User Data)
- HmacSecret: From Step 3 (Security Settings) - Warning: Regenerating may break integrations
Process Flow Diagram
Start
↓
Check Subscription
↓ (Yes)
Domain Setup
↓
User Data Setup
↓
HmacSecret Setup (Security Settings)
↓
Check Status (Ready?)
↓ (Yes)
Install Workspace
↓
Check Status (Active?)
↓ (Yes)
✅ Workspace Ready to Use
Plan Comparison & Workspace Features
The following table shows Workspace features available in each plan:
| Feature | Free Plan | Basic Plan | Advanced Plan | Professional Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workspace | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Number of Workspaces | 1 | 1 | 3 | Unlimited |
| Subdomain | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| HmacSecret | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| API Access | ✅ Limited | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ Full |
| Number of Users | 1 | 3 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Storage Space | 1 GB | 10 GB | 50 GB | Unlimited |
| Support | 📧 | 📧 💬 | 📧 💬 📞 | 📧 💬 📞 🎯 |
| Auto Backup | ❌ | ✅ Daily | ✅ Every 6 hours | ✅ Hourly |
| SSL Certificate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom Domain | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Priority Support | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Note: All plans support creating at least one Workspace. The free plan is suitable for getting started and testing, while paid plans offer additional features and better performance.
Choosing the Right Plan
- Free Plan: Suitable for getting started, testing, or small projects
- Basic Plan: Suitable for small to medium businesses
- Advanced Plan: Suitable for large businesses with multiple needs
- Professional Plan: Suitable for large enterprises with high requirements
Quick Start Guide
In Just 5 Minutes! ⚡
Follow these quick steps to set up your Workspace:
Step 1: Check Subscription (30 seconds)
- Ensure you have an active subscription
- If you don't have a subscription, click "Subscribe to Free Plan"
Step 2: Domain Setup (1 minute)
- Click "Edit" in the Domain Setup card
- Enter a unique domain name (e.g.,
mybusiness) - Wait for availability check
- Click "Save Changes"
Step 3: User Data Setup (1 minute)
- Enter your email address
- Enter a strong password (6+ characters)
- Click "Save"
Step 4: HmacSecret Setup (1 minute)
- Click the "Generate" button to create a new key
- ⚠️ Important: Copy the key and save it securely
- Click "Save"
Step 5: Installation (2 minutes)
- Verify status is "Ready"
- Click "Install"
- Confirm installation
- Wait for process to complete (2-5 minutes)
- ✅ Workspace is ready!
Quick Tips
💡 Domain Name: Use a short, clear name that represents your business
💡 HmacSecret: Save it immediately - you won't be able to retrieve it
💡 Password: Use a strong, unique password
💡 Installation: Don't close the page during installation
What's Next?
After setting up Workspace:
- ✅ Connect WhatsApp: WhatsApp Integration Guide
- ✅ Use API: API Reference
- ✅ Manage Workspace: Return to Workspace page to update settings
Quick Access Links
Access these pages directly from your dashboard:
- ⚙️ Workspace Settings - Manage workspace (replace
{businessId}with your business ID) - 📊 Business Dashboard - Return to dashboard (replace
{businessId}with your business ID) - 📱 WhatsApp Integration - Connect WhatsApp (replace
{businessId}with your business ID)
Note: Replace {businessId} in the URLs above with your actual business ID. You can find it in the URL when viewing your business dashboard.
Next Steps
After successfully creating your Workspace:
👉 API Reference - To use HmacSecret in integrations
Important Notes
Subdomain: Cannot be changed after creation. Choose carefully.
HmacSecret: Save it securely. You'll need it to connect applications and verify Webhooks.
Edit Settings: You can edit username and password from Workspace settings after installation.
Pre-Setup Checklist
Before starting Workspace setup, ensure:
- You have an active subscription to a plan
- Business account has been created
- You've chosen an appropriate domain name (cannot be changed later)
- You have a valid email address
- You've prepared a strong password
- You understand the importance of HmacSecret and will save it securely
Workspace Statuses
The following table shows all possible Workspace statuses:
| Status | Description | Available Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | Waiting | Complete basic steps |
| Ready | Ready for installation | Install Workspace |
| Installed | Installed | Uninstall, or activate |
| Active | Active and running | Uninstall, full access |
| Stopped | Stopped | Reactivate or uninstall |
Best Practices
Choosing Domain Name
- ✅ Use a short and clear name
- ✅ Avoid complex special characters
- ✅ Use a name that represents your business
- ❌ Don't use very long names
- ❌ Don't use random numbers only
Managing HmacSecret
- ✅ Save it in a password manager
- ✅ Don't share it with anyone
- ✅ Don't put it in source code
- ✅ Use it only in secure integrations
- ❌ Don't regenerate it unless absolutely necessary
Security
- ✅ Use a strong password (8+ characters, uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols)
- ✅ Change password regularly
- ✅ Use a professional email address
- ✅ Don't share login credentials
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I change the domain name after creation?
No, the domain name cannot be changed after creation. Choose it carefully from the start.
What happens if I lose my HmacSecret?
You can regenerate HmacSecret from Step 3, but warning: this will break all existing integrations using the old key.
How long does the installation process take?
Usually takes 2-5 minutes, but may take longer during peak times.
Can I uninstall and reinstall later?
Yes, you can uninstall and reinstall later. However, be warned: uninstalling will stop all services.
Do I need Workspace to use WhatsApp Integration?
Yes, you must have an installed and active Workspace before you can manage WhatsApp numbers.
What's the difference between "Installed" and "Active"?
- Installed: Workspace is installed but may not be fully active
- Active: Workspace is active and running at full capacity
Troubleshooting
Issue: Cannot Create Workspace
Possible Causes:
- Subdomain already in use
- Invalid subdomain format
- Plan doesn't support Workspace creation
- No active subscription
Solutions:
- Try a different subdomain name
- Ensure subdomain follows naming rules
- Verify your plan includes Workspace feature
- Ensure you have an active subscription
- Contact support if issue persists
Issue: Installation Fails
Possible Causes:
- Network connectivity issues
- Server maintenance
- Invalid configuration
- Basic steps not completed
Solutions:
- Check your internet connection
- Wait a few minutes and try again
- Verify all information is correct
- Ensure all steps are completed (Domain, User Data, HmacSecret)
- Check Workspace status (should be "Ready")
- Contact support with error details
Issue: Cannot Access Workspace After Installation
Possible Causes:
- Workspace installation not completed
- Incorrect login credentials
- Domain not activated yet
Solutions:
- Check Workspace status (should be "Active")
- Ensure you're using the correct email and password
- Wait a few minutes after installation
- Try clearing browser cache
- Contact support if issue persists
Issue: HmacSecret Not Working in Integrations
Possible Causes:
- Key copied incorrectly
- Key was regenerated
- Incorrect key
Solutions:
- Ensure the key is copied completely (no extra spaces)
- Verify you're using the correct key (latest one)
- Re-enter the key in the integration
- If it fails, generate a new key (note: this may break other integrations)
Support and Help
If you encounter any issues:
- 📧 Email: support@awalchat.com
- 💬 Live Chat: Available in the dashboard
- 📱 WhatsApp: Contact us directly via WhatsApp
- 📚 Complete Guide: Review the Setup Guide