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

# How Relay Works

> Learn how Relay quotes, routes, executes, and settles onchain transactions

Relay coordinates payments, swaps, bridges, and onchain calls from quote through completion.

1. **Quote:** The application requests a quote for the user's intended outcome. Relay returns the expected result, total cost, and the steps required to complete the transaction.
2. **Execute:** The user signs the transaction steps included in the quote. Same-chain transactions execute directly on the source chain. For cross-chain transactions, execution deposits the user's funds and order into the [Relay Depository Contract](/references/protocol/overview).
3. **Fill:** For a cross-chain transaction, a solver completes the requested action on the destination chain while the user's funds remain in the Relay Depository Contract.
4. **Settle:** After the solver proves the fill onchain, the protocol releases the deposited funds to the solver.

Applications can track every transaction through completion, regardless of its route.

## The Relay Stack

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Relay API" icon="brackets-curly" href="/references/api/overview">
    Request quotes, execute transactions, track status, and retrieve supported network data.
  </Card>

  <Card title="RelayKit" icon="code" href="/references/relay-kit/overview">
    Use the SDK, React hooks, and UI components to add Relay to your application.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Relay Protocol" icon="network-wired" href="/references/protocol/overview">
    Learn how the non-custodial protocol coordinates users, solvers, and smart contracts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Relay App" icon="arrow-up-right-from-square" href="https://relay.link/">
    Explore supported routes and transact through the same infrastructure available to integrators.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>