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

# Dashboard

> Set up and manage your Minecraft network from the SimpleCloud Dashboard.

The SimpleCloud Dashboard is the browser interface for your network. Use it to create servers, open their consoles and files, check players, and manage your network.

Open [dash.simplecloud.app](https://dash.simplecloud.app) and sign in with your SimpleCloud account.

## Set up your network

After signing in, create a network for your servers or join an existing network with an invitation code. A new network opens the onboarding guide, which connects the first machine that will run your Minecraft servers.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Configure the machine">
    Choose its operating system, name, memory limit, and Java versions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the install command">
    Copy the generated command and run it in a terminal on that machine. The dashboard detects the installation automatically and then lets you create your first server group or open the dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>

For system requirements and troubleshooting, follow the [installation guide](/en/manual/setup/installation).

## Create your first server

Choose how your server should behave:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Server group" icon="boxes" href="/en/manual/setup/server-groups">
    Use a group for proxies, lobbies, minigames, and other servers that can share one configuration and scale together.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Persistent server" icon="server" href="/en/manual/setup/persistent-servers">
    Use a persistent server for an SMP, build server, or another single server that keeps its files and identity.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Open **Server Groups** and select **Add Group**, or open **Persistent Servers** and select **Add Server**. The dashboard guides you through the remaining settings.

## Manage your servers

Use **Server Groups** and **Persistent Servers** to configure what SimpleCloud should run. Use **Servers** to see the server instances that are currently running. Select an instance to view its status, open its console, manage its files, or check its performance.

Other common areas include:

* **Players** for player activity and history
* **Resources** for files and plugin collections
* **Monitoring** for network-wide performance
* **Settings** for serverhosts, members, roles, and network settings