# Getting started

## 1. Create an account

Go to [atmerlin.com](https://atmerlin.com) and choose **Sign in**. Sign in with a code sent to your email, or with Google or Discord. New accounts start on the [Free plan](https://atmerlin.com/docs/pricing). No credit card needed.

## 2. Talk to Merlin

After signing in you're on **Home**, which has a chat with Merlin. You can start there.

To use Merlin in another app, open **Apps** on Home and choose it:

- **Discord**: sign in with Discord, then message Merlin or add it to a server you manage.
- **Telegram**, **Slack** and **Matrix**: send Merlin a message there, then open the link it sends back.

You can link one account on each chat app.

## 3. Add Merlin to a group

- **Discord**: choose **Add to a server** in Discord's dialog on Home. You need permission to manage the server.
- **Telegram**: choose **Add to a group**.
- **Slack**: invite Merlin to a channel.
- **Matrix**: invite Merlin to a room.

When Merlin joins, it posts a message saying it's an AI, that it saves every message, and where the privacy notice is. Whoever added it becomes the chat's owner. See [Chats](https://atmerlin.com/docs/chats).

## 4. Link your apps

Open **Apps** on Home and choose an app, such as [Gmail](https://atmerlin.com/docs/apps/gmail), [Calendar](https://atmerlin.com/docs/apps/calendar) or [GitHub](https://atmerlin.com/docs/apps/github). See [Connected apps](https://atmerlin.com/docs/connected-apps).

## Things to try

- "What did we decide about the trip last week?"
- "When are we all free next week after 6?"
- "Anything important in my inbox today?"
- "Remind everyone to pay rent on the 1st of every month."
- "Tell me if this listing drops under $900."
- "Turn this PDF into a spreadsheet split by person."