> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.plain.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Labels
> Categorize threads with labels, nest them into hierarchies, and apply them automatically with workflows.
Labels categorize threads so your team can see what each one is about at a glance. Use them to prioritize, route, and report on customer requests across the queue.
To manage labels, open the command palette with ⌘ + K and search for **Manage labels**, or go to **Settings → Labels**.
## Apply a label
1. Open the thread.
2. Click **Labels** in the thread sidebar.
3. Search for or select a label from the list.
## Organize labels
### Nested labels
Labels support up to **three levels** of hierarchy. When a label is applied, all of its parent labels are applied automatically. Use nesting to group related labels: for example, `Billing > Refund` or `Bug > Critical`.
### Team labels
In Plain, teams are defined through labels. A team label represents a team or functional group in your workspace, applying it signals ownership and enables team-based routing, filtering, and assignment.
Common examples: `Support`, `Payments`, `Onboarding`, `Enterprise`.
## Automate labels
### AI auto-labeling
Plain can apply labels automatically using AI. When creating or editing a label, turn on **Can be applied by Plain AI** to enable this.
### Workflows
Labels can be set to automatically apply based on conditions using [Workflows](/docs/product/workflows). For example, you could automatically apply a label like `Churn risk` whenever a thread mentions cancellation.
### API
Labels can also be applied programmatically using [Plain's GraphQL API](/docs/graphql/labels).