# How to configure communication between Kanbans

There are two ways for kanbans to communicate:

* initialize a kanban with input variables, styles, and filters
* call Kanban API methods

### Input variables, initial filters and styles

[Input variables](https://docs.flexikanban.ai/composite-kanban/howtos-and-best-practices/how-to-pass-variables-between-parent-and-child-kanbans#input-variables) can be set:

* to a child kanban from the parent (composite kanbans)
* to any kanban by calling "Navigate to Kanban" API method
* to any kanban by following a properly constructed link

Initial [filters](https://docs.flexikanban.ai/standard-kanban/using-kanban/how-to-work-with-filters-and-orders) can be set on a kanban by calling "Navigate to Kanban" API method.

Initial CSS Styles can be set on the kanban container by following the properly constructed link.

### Kanban API methods

Kanbans have API methods allowing interactions. The following [Kanban API methods](https://docs.flexikanban.ai/standard-kanban/using-kanban/how-to-use-kanban-api-actions) can work with kanbans specified by their IDs or API names:

* Refresh Kanbans
* Refresh Columns
* Show Columns
* Hide Columns
* Refresh Card Layout
* Open Kanban
* Update Variables