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

# First-time Setup

> Quick Guide on how to setup the Ward Systems discord bot with the dashbaord or legacy command

<Card title="Dashboard Access" icon="notepad-text-dashed">
  The Ward [dashboard](https://wardsystems.xyz/dashboard) is the fastest way to configure the bot. First-time setup is streamlined and quicker than the legacy `/config` command, and this guide walks you through it step by step.

  <Steps>
    <Step title="Invite Ward to your server">
      Add the bot from [wardsystems.xyz/invite](https://wardsystems.xyz/invite) and accept the required permissions.
    </Step>

    <Step title="Open the dashboard">
      Navigate to [wardsystems.xyz/dashboard](https://wardsystems.xyz/dashboard).
    </Step>

    <Step title="Sign in with Discord">
      Authorize with your Discord account so Ward can list the servers you manage.
    </Step>

    <Step title="Select your server">
      Pick the server you want to configure. You need **Manage Server** permission for it to appear.
    </Step>

    <Step title="Run the guided setup">
      Step through moderation defaults, join gates, auto-mod filters, and staff roles. Each step shows a summary before saving.
    </Step>

    <Step title="Test your configuration">
      Use the built-in test actions to verify verification, logging, and moderation are working as expected.
    </Step>
  </Steps>
</Card>

<Card title="Legacy Command Config" icon="sparkles">
  Prefer commands? The `/config` command still works for configuring Ward directly from Discord.

  <Warning>
    **Deprecated:** `/config` is scheduled for removal in the 3rd or 4th release of Ward's Discord bot. Use the [dashboard](https://wardsystems.xyz/dashboard) for all new configuration.
  </Warning>

  <Steps>
    <Step title="Invite the bot">
      Make sure Ward is in your server and has the required permissions.
    </Step>

    <Step title="Run /config">
      In any channel Ward can see, type `/config` to open the command-based configuration menu.
    </Step>

    <Step title="Pick a category">
      Choose the area you want to configure: moderation, join gates, auto-mod, logging, or staff roles.
    </Step>

    <Step title="Apply your settings">
      Follow the prompts for each setting. Ward confirms each change in the channel.
    </Step>
  </Steps>

  <Tip>
    The [dashboard](https://wardsystems.xyz/dashboard) covers everything `/config` does and is faster for first-time setup.
  </Tip>
</Card>