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

# bead application URLs

> Open bead application URLs with authenticated machine hostnames and learn how they differ from possession-based share links.

Use bead application URLs to reach each machine application port through an HTTPS hostname:

```text theme={null}
https://<port>-<machine-id>.bead.run
```

The machine detail supplies the deployment domain. The edge enforces access to this hostname; knowing the hostname does not grant application access.

## Open the URL locally

```bash theme={null}
bead open ID --port 3000
```

The CLI creates an authenticated localhost tunnel and opens your browser. To keep browser launch separate:

```bash theme={null}
bead port-forward ID --port 3000 --local-port 3000
```

The tunnel supports HTTP and WebSockets and retains your application's own authentication. It does not put a bead token in the URL.

## Choose the right access method

| Access method | Purpose |
| - | - |
| Authenticated application hostname | Access a machine service through the edge |
| Local CLI tunnel | Open that service in your own browser |
| [Worktree preview link](https://docs.bead.run/worktrees/sharing.md) | Share an expiring preview for a worktree service |
| [Desktop watch link](https://docs.bead.run/agents/watch-takeover.md) | Give view-only access to the desktop |
| [Raw TCP or UDP port](https://docs.bead.run/connect/raw-ports.md) | Reach a transport endpoint with a source-network ACL |

Possession-based preview and desktop links carry their own grants. Keep those links private and revoke them when the handoff ends.

App templates can become machine-ready before their HTTP application finishes initializing. Retry the authenticated application connection while it starts. See [template selection](https://docs.bead.run/templates/overview.md).


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