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

# Get started

> Try Akua in your browser: create a workspace, get a free trial machine, install n8n, and ask the agent.

Welcome to the invite-only beta. This guide takes you from your invitation to a running app, using the dashboard.
You need beta access and a web browser. No coding or command-line tools are required.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign up">
    Open [Akua](https://akua.dev/login) using the account you were invited with.
    Enter your email address, click **Continue with Email**, and open the sign-in link in your inbox.
    The same screen creates your account on your first visit.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a workspace">
    Open the workspace selector in the dashboard and choose **New workspace**. Enter a name, such as
    **My team**, and click **Create workspace**. A workspace keeps your apps and machines together.
    Keep this workspace selected throughout the guide.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a cluster">
    Open [**Clusters**](https://akua.dev/clusters) and click **Create managed cluster**.
    Name it **my-first-cluster** and choose a **Control plane region**.
    If the list is empty, click **New region**, enter a **Region name**, and click **Create region**.
    Click **Continue**, review the details, and click **Create managed cluster**.
    Open the cluster and wait for **Ready**.

    A cluster is where your apps run. It still needs a machine to do the work.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get your free trial machine">
    In your cluster's **Workers** tab, click **Add worker**.
    Choose **Managed provisioning** and **Akua-managed**, then click **Provision worker**.
    Wait until the worker appears as **Ready** before installing an app.

    The trial machine is free for seven days, once per account.
    Deleting it doesn't reset the trial. See [trial terms](/platform/quotas#the-one-time-managed-vm-trial).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install n8n">
    Open [**Apps**](https://akua.dev/installs), click **Install an app**, and search for **n8n**, a tool for automating tasks.
    Choose the **n8n** listing published by **n8n** and click **Continue**.
    In **Where it runs**, choose **Your clusters**, select **my-first-cluster**, and continue.

    In **Settings**, choose **Standalone with SQLite** for this trial.
    Click **Generate** for the required **Encryption key**. Keep the key safe; n8n uses it to protect saved credentials.
    Akua fills in the app's public hostname at install.
    Continue to **Review**, check the details, and click **Install**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open your app">
    Open n8n from **Apps** and wait for **Ready**. Click **Open n8n** to open the app in a new tab,
    then follow n8n's own first-time setup. The **Access** tab also lists your app's address. If the
    app isn't ready, check its status and **Logs**, or ask for help.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Ask the agent">
    Open **Home**, type **What is running in my workspace?** into **Ask the agent, or search**, and click **Ask the agent**.
    You can also open **Ask AI** from the sidebar while viewing an app.
    Ask in everyday language, such as **Help me understand my n8n app's status**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Known limitations

* Bringing your own machines or cloud account (BYOM) isn't available in this beta. Use the Akua-managed trial machine.
* Search is basic. Try an exact app name such as **n8n**, or browse the **Marketplace**.

## Get help

Join [Akua on Discord](https://akua.dev/discord) if you get stuck or want to share feedback.
Tell us which step you're on and what the screen says. A screenshot helps; leave out passwords and encryption keys.

## Related topics

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Workspaces" icon="briefcase" href="/workspaces">
    Learn how to organize your apps and team.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Trial and quotas" icon="scale-balanced" href="/platform/quotas">
    Check your trial terms and resource limits.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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