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

# Quick Start: Get Up and Running with ChatbotX

> Create your free ChatbotX account, connect a channel, build your first Flow, and publish your chatbot — no credit card required to start.

Getting started with ChatbotX takes only a few minutes. The cloud version is available at [app.chatbotx.io](https://app.chatbotx.io) and includes a **Free Forever** plan plus a **14-day free trial** with unlimited features. No credit card is required to sign up. Follow the steps below to go from a brand-new account to a live, published chatbot.

## Get started with ChatbotX Cloud

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your account">
    Go to [app.chatbotx.io](https://app.chatbotx.io) and sign up. You can register with your Google account or enter an email address and password. Once you confirm your email, your account and first workspace are ready to use.

    <Tip>
      The 14-day free trial gives you access to all features with no credit card required. After the trial, your account automatically continues on the Free Forever plan.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect your first channel">
    Open **Channels** from the sidebar and select the platform you want to connect — Facebook Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp Business, Zalo OA, Telegram, TikTok, Webchat, or Email. Each channel has a dedicated step-by-step setup guide to walk you through the connection process.

    <Note>
      You can connect multiple channels to the same workspace. All conversations appear in a single shared Inbox regardless of which channel they come from.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Build your first Flow">
    Navigate to **Automation > Flows** and click **+ Create Flow**. The visual drag-and-drop Flow Builder opens, where you can add message nodes, conditional branches, AI Agent steps, and actions. Starting with a simple welcome message is enough to publish your first working chatbot.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test and publish">
    Inside the Flow Builder, select **Get Published Link** to preview your Flow and confirm it behaves as expected. When you are satisfied, turn on the publish toggle to make the Flow live on your connected channel.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Self-hosted installation options

If you prefer to run ChatbotX on your own infrastructure, two installation paths are available. Choose the one that matches your needs.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Docker Compose" icon="docker" href="https://chatbotx.io/docs/installation/docker-compose">
    Recommended for **users** who want a production-ready deployment without setting up a development environment.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Development" icon="code" href="https://chatbotx.io/docs/installation/development">
    Recommended for **developers** who want to run ChatbotX locally, explore the source code, or contribute to the project.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>