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

# Creating an Account

> How to sign up for XCS, verify your email, and log in for the first time.

This guide walks through creating an XCS account, from obtaining an invite code to your first login.

## Invite-Only Access

XCS uses an invite-only registration model. You need an invite code to sign up. There are two ways to receive one:

1. **An organization owner generates a direct invite code** -- They create a code from their organization page and share it with you.
2. **You receive an invitation from an organization** -- An organization owner invites you through the member management page. This generates a code linked to their organization.

If you do not have an invite code, contact an XCS organization owner or reach out to **[xcs@restrafes.co](mailto:xcs@restrafes.co)**.

<Callout type="warning">
  Invite codes can have expiration dates. If your code has expired, ask the sender to generate a new one.
</Callout>

## Sign Up

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to the signup page">
    Go to **[https://xcs.restrafes.co](https://xcs.restrafes.co)** and click the "Sign Up" link below the login button.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your details">
    Fill in the following fields:

    * **Email address** -- A valid email you can access for verification
    * **Password** -- Choose a strong password (at least 8 characters)
    * **Invite code** -- The invite code you received
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create your account">
    Click "Create Account." If the invite code is valid, your account will be created and you will be redirected to a confirmation page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check for the verification email">
    Look for an email from **[noreply@xcs.restrafes.co](mailto:noreply@xcs.restrafes.co)** in your inbox. This email contains a verification link.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify your email address">
    Click the verification link in the email. You will be redirected to the login page with a confirmation message.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Log in">
    Enter your email and password on the login page. You now have access to the XCS dashboard. The next step is to create or join an organization.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="No verification email received">
    <p>Check your spam or junk folder. Add <code>[noreply@xcs.restrafes.co](mailto:noreply@xcs.restrafes.co)</code> to your contacts to prevent future emails from being filtered.</p>
    <p>If you still do not see it, go to the login page at <strong>[https://xcs.restrafes.co](https://xcs.restrafes.co)</strong> and click "Resend verification email." You can also request a new verification email by attempting to log in with an unverified account.</p>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Invite code is invalid or expired">
    <p>Invite codes can expire if the creator set an expiration date. Contact the person who sent you the code and ask them to generate a new one. If you were invited by an organization, ask the owner to resend the invitation from the member management page.</p>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Forgot your password">
    <p>On the login page, click "Forgot Password." Enter your email address and check your inbox for a password reset link. If you do not see the email, check your spam folder.</p>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Account already exists for this email">
    <p>If you see this message, an account is already registered with your email address. Try logging in directly. If you forgot your password, use the password reset flow.</p>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Still need help?">
    <p>Email <strong>[xcs@restrafes.co](mailto:xcs@restrafes.co)</strong> with your account email and a description of the issue. Include any error messages you see on screen.</p>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

Now that your account is ready, proceed to [Setting Up Your Organization](/guides/setting-up-your-organization).