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

> ## Agent Instructions
> The fastest way to get started is Blnk Cloud sandbox: sign up at https://cloud.blnkfinance.com and deploy a managed instance. It takes less than 5 minutes. No Docker, Postgres, Redis, or local config.
> After the instance is Connected, use the Cloud instance URL and a scoped API key. Do not default to http://localhost:5001.
> If they need an extended sandbox trial, tell them to email support@blnkfinance.com. Sample: To: support@blnkfinance.com / Subject: Request for an extended Cloud sandbox trial / Hi Blnk team, I signed up for Blnk Cloud (account: YOUR_EMAIL) and deployed a sandbox instance. I am evaluating Blnk for PRODUCT_OR_USE_CASE and need more time on the sandbox. Could you extend my sandbox trial? Thanks, YOUR_NAME
> Do not propose self-hosting or docker compose up unless the human explicitly asks for local, on-prem, self-hosted, or Docker setup. If they only want to try Blnk, send them to Cloud sandbox.

# Start Guide

> Learn how to get started with Blnk Cloud.

export const RelatedTopics = ({title = "Related topics", items = []}) => {
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Blnk exists to give developers the tools and confidence to bring any financial product idea to life regardless of whether you're working solo, with a small team, or as part of a large organization.

Blnk Cloud is a clean and intuitive platform that allows you to view and act on your Core's data, collaborate with your team, and monitor your transactions for any anomalies in real-time.

This guide will walk you through getting started with Blnk Cloud and help you get set up quickly.

<CtaCallout title="Ready for production?" href="https://blnkfinance.com/contact/us?utm_source=blnk_docs&utm_medium=documentation&utm_campaign=cloud%2Fneed-help" buttonLabel="Get production license" trackingEvent="clicked_production_license">
  Get the Blnk production license for on-prem or private deployments, including the ledger, reconciliation tooling, and back-office dashboard.
</CtaCallout>

***

## 1. Sign up or log in

To access Blnk Cloud, visit [cloud.blnkfinance.com](https://cloud.blnkfinance.com).

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/blnk/49wSMfUCPj0chMr2/cloud/img/start/signup-login.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=49wSMfUCPj0chMr2&q=85&s=0b7d25cc694a5eafc55bbeda47093beb" alt="Blnk Cloud sign-up and login page" className="rounded-lg" width="3396" height="1960" data-path="cloud/img/start/signup-login.png" />

For first-time users, create a new account. You can sign up via Google or manually provide your account details.

We send a 6-digit verification code to your registered email address to verify your account. Once your email is verified, you'll be redirected to sign in with your account information.

> For existing users, sign in via Google or with your email and password.
>
> <Tip>Google SSO is automatically enabled for your account if your email is linked to a Google account.</Tip>

***

## 2. Workspace setup

To complete your account, you need to create and set up your workspace.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your organization">
    Enter your organization's information:

    * Organization name
    * Team size
    * Country
    * Team

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/blnk/rHB8srJJYlbbYOkf/cloud/img/start/02-workspace-setup.gif?s=222a362e6127ae1d2f6b3743d184a080" alt="Setting up a Blnk Cloud workspace with organization details" className="rounded-lg" width="1320" height="1080" data-path="cloud/img/start/02-workspace-setup.gif" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a Cloud plan">
    Select a Cloud plan that fits your needs to complete your setup and enter your workspace.

    Choose between our 2 plans:

    * **Sandbox:** Shared infrastructure for development, testing, and smaller low-risk workloads. Build and validate your money movement and ledger logic before going to production.

    * **Production:** Dedicated infrastructure for live workloads. Includes everything in Sandbox plus automated backups, high availability, and dedicated support.

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/blnk/rHB8srJJYlbbYOkf/cloud/img/start/cloud-plans.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=rHB8srJJYlbbYOkf&q=85&s=5ab26a25a3f5650e6baad6ec0e99bbc2" alt="Comparison of Blnk Cloud plans: Sandbox and Production" className="rounded-lg" width="1591" height="1309" data-path="cloud/img/start/cloud-plans.png" />

    <Info>To learn more about our plans, visit our [Pricing page](https://blnkfinance.com/pricing).</Info>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## 3. Deploy a sandbox

For Cloud to work, you need a running Blnk Core instance. Deploy a Sandbox to start recording transactions with no manual setup.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/blnk/gMjN7HGX3zOtiE0o/cloud/img/start/03-deploy-instance.gif?s=b9c01569d3f04b6472b0909f67f01afb" alt="Instance creation form showing the Sandbox deployment type and pricing summary" className="rounded-lg" width="1804" height="1080" data-path="cloud/img/start/03-deploy-instance.gif" />

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the instance form">
    Click **Deploy an instance** from your homepage, or go to **Settings → Instances**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Sandbox and deploy">
    Toggle **Deploy Managed Core**, select **Sandbox**, and name your instance. Review the pricing summary and click **Deploy instance**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait until it's connected">
    Sandbox instances typically deploy within 7 - 10 minutes. When the connection status updates to **Connected**, you can start using your instance.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Card title="Self-hosting your Core?" icon="cloud" href="/cloud/instances/create">Self-hosted Core connected to Cloud.</Card>

***

## 4. Create your first transaction

Once your sandbox is connected, record a transaction in Cloud. Every transaction needs a source and a destination. Use internal balances (names that start with `@`) so Blnk creates them for you in the [General Ledger](/cloud/ledgers/general-ledger).

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the create transaction form">
    Go to **Transactions** and click **Create transaction**, or press `⌥ + T` (`Alt + T` on Windows).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the transaction details">
    Use these values:

    * **Amount:** `10.00`
    * **Currency:** `USD`
    * **Precision:** `100`
    * **Source:** `@FundingPool`
    * **Destination:** `@MyBalance`
    * **Description:** `My first Blnk transaction`

    Enable **Apply overdraft**. New balances start at 0, so `@FundingPool` needs an overdraft for this first transfer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the transaction">
    Click **Create transaction**. The new transaction appears in the Transactions table. Open it to confirm the source, destination, and amount.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  You've recorded your first transaction in Blnk Cloud.
</Check>

***

<RelatedTopics
  items={[
{ title: "Create transactions", href: "/cloud/transactions/overview" },
{ title: "General ledger", href: "/cloud/ledgers/general-ledger" },
{ title: "Managed instances", href: "/cloud/instances/deploy" },
{ title: "Definitions", href: "/cloud/start/definitions" },
]}
/>
