# Using Glue without a workspace

If someone in a paid Glue workspace has added you to a group or sent you a message (as an [external user](/workspaces/external-users.md)), you **can setup a free Glue account**. You will receive an email invite with a sign up link to create your free account.

This **free account does not come with the full feature capabilities of a Glue workspace,** but you can always create a workspace later if you decide you'd like to upgrade.

### **What can you do in Glue if you are not a member of a paid Workspace?**

* Collaborate in groups or threads that you've been invited to.
* Send new threads or DMs to Glue users who you have already messaged you.
* Connect with anyone by adding their email address to a thread or direct message — once you've messaged them once, you can easily create new threads or DMs with them again by searching their name in Glue. If they do not yet have a Glue account, they will need to sign up.

{% hint style="info" %}
Threads are a freestanding unit of communication, independent of any workspace or group. So even users without a workspace have the freedom to organize their communication in threads and be added to threads and groups in other company's workspaces.
{% endhint %}

### **Limitations of not belonging to a paid Workspace**

* **Cannot create groups** to organize any people, projects, or topics.
* **No direct access to Glue AI,** our powerful AI assistant. You will be able to see responses from Glue AI in external groups that you belong to, but cannot ask it any questions yourself. We do include a 7 day free trial of Glue AI when you first sign up.
* **No access to our app integrations**

{% hint style="info" %}
You can create a new workspace at any time when you are logged into Glue on a web browser. Click on your workspace logo on the top right corner of the app and select **Add Workspace** from the drop down menu.
{% endhint %}


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