docs/reference/search-connectors/index.md
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:::{note} This page is about Content connectors that synchronize third-party data into {{es}}. If you’re looking for Kibana connectors to integrate with services like generative AI model providers, refer to Kibana Connectors. :::
A connector is an Elastic integration that syncs data from an original data source to {{es}}. Use connectors to create searchable, read-only replicas of your data in {{es}}.
Each connector extracts the original files, records, or objects; and transforms them into documents within {{es}}.
These connectors are written in Python and the source code is available in the elastic/connectors repo.
You can set up content connectors in two ways. The availability of each setup mode is indicated on the interface of your {{kib}} Content connectors page.
| Self-managed | Elastic managed | |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | You deploy the connector service | Elastic hosts it for you |
| Availability | Any Elastic environment | {{ecloud}} only ({{ech}}/Serverless), for {{product.observability}} and {{product.security}} |
| Can send data to | Any {{es}} instance | Deployment or project the connector is deployed within only |
| Customization | Supported | Not supported |
This table provides an overview of our available connectors, their current support status, and the features they support.
The columns provide specific information about each connector:
:::{tip} Because prerequisites and configuration details vary by data source, you’ll need to refer to the individual connector references for specific details. :::
Because connectors are self-managed on your own infrastructure, they run outside of your Elastic deployment.
You can run them from source or in a Docker container.
In order to set up, configure, and run a connector you’ll be moving between your third-party service, the Elastic UI, and your terminal. At a high-level, the workflow looks like this:
The first decision you need to make before deploying a connector is which third party service (data source) you want to sync to {{es}}. See the list of available connectors.
Note that each data source will have specific prerequisites you’ll need to meet to authorize the connector to access its data. For example, certain data sources may require you to create an OAuth application, or create a service account. You’ll need to check the individual connector documentation for these details.