# Create an account (/get-started/create-an-account)

You need an account to build apps. Signing up is free, and you can start on the Free plan.

## Sign up with your email [#sign-up-with-your-email]

Go to [paddlewheel.dev](https://paddlewheel.dev) and select **Get started**.

On the **Sign up** tab, type your email address.

If a friend gave you a referral code, add it under **Referral code**. It's optional.

Complete the check under the form, then select **Sign up with email**.

Open the email we send you and select the link in it. The link signs you in, so there's no password to make up.


## Sign up with GitHub [#sign-up-with-github]

On the **Sign in** tab, select **Continue with GitHub** and approve Paddlewheel in GitHub. If you don't have an account yet, one is created for you.

> **New accounts may join a waitlist**: When the sign-up page says **New accounts join a waitlist**, your account is created but you wait for a spot before you can build. Accounts that already exist sign in as usual.

## Signing in later [#signing-in-later]

On the **Sign in** tab, type your email and select **Continue**. Then use your password if you've set one, or ask for a new sign-in link by email. If you've turned on two-step verification, you'll be asked for your code too.

## Next [#next]

[Build your first app](/get-started/quickstart).