> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.meganova.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.meganova.ai/character-studio/getting-started/quickstart.md).

# Quickstart Guide

> **Note:** This guide walks you through setting up Character Studio and familiarizing yourself with the interface. Complete setup takes about 5 minutes.

## Overview

Character Studio is accessible at [studio.meganova.ai](https://studio.meganova.ai). This guide covers:

1. Creating or signing into your account
2. Understanding the dashboard
3. Navigating the interface
4. Setting your preferences

## Step 1: Sign In

### New Users

1. Visit [studio.meganova.ai](https://studio.meganova.ai)
2. Click **Sign Up**
3. Enter your email address and create a password
4. Verify your email (check your inbox for a verification link)
5. Complete your profile setup

### Existing Users

1. Visit [studio.meganova.ai](https://studio.meganova.ai)
2. Click **Sign In**
3. Enter your credentials
4. You'll be directed to the Home dashboard

## Step 2: Explore the Dashboard

After signing in, you'll see the **Home** dashboard:

The dashboard shows:

* **Recent Activity** — Characters you've recently viewed or edited
* **Quick Actions** — Buttons to create or import characters
* **Statistics** — Your character count, chat sessions, and storage usage

## Step 3: Understand the Sidebar

The sidebar provides navigation to all major features:

| Section            | Purpose                                     |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------- |
| **Home**           | Dashboard overview                          |
| **Explore**        | Browse public characters from the community |
| **Chats**          | View and continue previous conversations    |
| **Favorites**      | Access your bookmarked characters           |
| **Personas**       | Manage your chat personas                   |
| **Image**          | AI image generation tool                    |
| **Workflows**      | Visual workflow editor (advanced)           |
| **Creator Center** | Sharing analytics and monetization          |
| **Spaces**         | Switch between workspaces                   |

## Step 4: Configure Settings

Click your profile icon in the bottom-left corner, then select **Settings** to configure:

### Theme

Choose your preferred appearance:

* **Light** — Bright interface
* **Dark** — Reduced eye strain
* **System** — Match your OS setting

### Content Preferences

* **Show NSFW Content** — Toggle visibility of mature content
* **Blur Explicit Images** — Add blur filter to explicit images

### AI Models

* **Assistant Model** — Model used for Quick Create and AI features
* **Batch Generation Model** — Model for generating multiple fields at once

## Step 5: Check Your Credits

Your credit balance appears in the sidebar. Credits are used for:

* AI chat messages
* Image generation
* Character creation assistance

Click your credit balance to see:

* Current balance
* Usage history
* Top-up options

## What's Next?

Now that you're set up, create your first character:

➡️ [**Your First Character**](/character-studio/getting-started/your-first-character.md) — Step-by-step character creation tutorial

## Troubleshooting

### Can't sign in?

* Check your email/password are correct
* Try resetting your password via "Forgot Password"
* Clear your browser cache and cookies

### Page not loading?

* Ensure you're using a supported browser
* Disable browser extensions that might block scripts
* Try incognito/private browsing mode

### Need help?

Contact support at **<support@meganova.ai>**

## See Also

* [Your First Character](/character-studio/getting-started/your-first-character.md) — Create your first character
* [Workspaces and Spaces](/character-studio/getting-started/workspaces-and-spaces.md) — Organize your projects
* [Troubleshooting](/character-studio/reference/troubleshooting.md) — Common issues and solutions