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

# Core concepts

> Define the core terms used across ClearSpend: subscription, app, document, renewal, and user.

ClearSpend is organized around a small set of concepts. This page defines each one so the rest of the product documentation makes sense.

## Subscription

A recurring or one-time service your organization pays for (Atlassian, Slack, Google Cloud Platform, a domain registrar). Each subscription has an **amount**, a **billing cycle**, an **owner**, a **status**, and a **category**.

## App

Any third-party tool detected in your organization, whether or not you have an active subscription. Apps are discovered from connected integrations (logins, OAuth grants, email receipts) and appear on the **Apps** page.

## Document

An invoice, receipt, or card statement attached to a subscription. Documents can arrive via manual upload, forwarded email, Gmail/Drive sync, the [Chrome extension](/connect/chrome-extension) (popup or download banner), or a [public upload link](/connect/public-upload).

ClearSpend treats documents differently depending on type:

* **Card statements (CSV)** and **Plaid transactions** create **charges** — the source of truth for KPI cards, charts, and dashboard totals.
* **Invoices and receipts** are **supporting documents** for reconciliation and audit. They can create or update subscription metadata but **do not add spend to KPIs** without a matching charge.

See [How data enters ClearSpend](/connect/how-data-enters).

## Charge

A verified payment row from a card statement import or Plaid sync. Charges drive subscription amounts and every spend KPI on the dashboard. Invoice-only uploads do not create charges.

## Renewal

The upcoming billing event for an active subscription. Renewals show up on the dashboard, in the calendar, and on the dedicated [Renewals](/features/renewals) page so you can review or cancel before the charge hits.

## Workspace user vs. Person

A **workspace user** is anyone with a ClearSpend login: Owner, Admin, Member, or Viewer. A **person** is a discovered user from a connected source (e.g. your Google Workspace directory) who doesn't necessarily have a ClearSpend login yet. People appear in **Team → People** so you can monitor their software usage and invite them when ready.

<Note>
  The same human can be both a workspace user and a person. They'll show up in both **Team → Members** and **Team → People**, linked by email.
</Note>