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

# Qvista Quickstart: From Sign-Up to Your Live Dashboard

> Sign up, connect your first data source, and build your first interactive dashboard in Qvista — no code or prior experience required.

Qvista is designed so you can go from zero to a live, interactive dashboard in just a few minutes. This guide walks you through creating your account, connecting a data source, building your first view, and exploring your data — all without writing a single line of code.

<Tip>
  You can complete every step in this guide on the **Free plan** — no credit card required. The free tier gives you up to 3 data sources, 50 views, and 3 Autoflux workflows to get you started. When you're ready to scale, see [Qvista Plans and Pricing](/pricing-plans) for upgrade options.
</Tip>

## What you'll accomplish

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create an account" icon="user-plus">
    Sign up with your work email or Google account in under a minute
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect a data source" icon="database">
    Link a database, spreadsheet, or API to Qvista instantly
  </Card>

  <Card title="Build your first view" icon="chart-bar">
    Drag and drop data into a table, chart, or grid layout
  </Card>

  <Card title="Explore your data" icon="magnifying-glass-chart">
    Filter, sort, and drill down into your live data in real time
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Step-by-step walkthrough

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your Qvista account">
    Navigate to [qvista.io/register](https://qvista.io/register.html) to open the registration page.

    Fill in the following fields:

    * **Name** — your full name
    * **Email** — your work email address
    * **Company Name** — the name of your organization
    * **Password** and **Confirm Password** — choose a strong password

    Then click **Register**.

    Alternatively, click **Continue with Google** to sign up instantly using your Google account — no password needed.

    <Note>
      By creating an account, you agree to Qvista's [Terms of Service](https://qvista.io/term-condition.html) and [Privacy Policy](https://qvista.io/privacypolicy.html).
    </Note>

    Once registered, you land on your Qvista dashboard and are ready to connect your first data source.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect your first data source">
    From your dashboard, open the **Data Sources** panel and click **Add Data Source**.

    Qvista supports a wide range of sources, including:

    * Relational databases — MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server
    * Files — CSV and Excel spreadsheets
    * APIs and cloud services — REST APIs, Google Sheets, and more

    Select your source type, enter the required connection credentials, and click **Connect**. Qvista fetches your data in real time — it is never stored on Qvista's servers, so your data stays in your control.

    <Tip>
      Not sure which source to try first? Upload a CSV file for the fastest setup with no credentials required.
    </Tip>

    For a full list of supported connectors and configuration options, see [Data Sources Overview](/data-sources/overview).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create your first view or dashboard">
    With your data source connected, click **New View** from the dashboard.

    Choose a layout that fits your data:

    * **Table** — row-and-column display for structured records
    * **Grid** — card-style layout for visual browsing
    * **Nested Table** — hierarchical data with expandable rows
    * **Simple List** — clean single-column display
    * **Chart / Graph** — bar, line, pie, scatter, and more

    Use the drag-and-drop builder to select the fields you want to display. Qvista's interface is designed for users of all skill levels — you don't need technical expertise to build a compelling visualization.

    <Info>
      On the Free plan, you can create up to **50 views**. Business and Enterprise plans raise this to 1,000 and unlimited views respectively.
    </Info>

    For the full range of visualization types and customization options, see [Visualizations Overview](/visualizations/overview).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Explore and analyze your data">
    Once your view is live, you can interact with your data immediately:

    * **Filter** — narrow records by any field value
    * **Sort** — reorder rows ascending or descending
    * **Search** — find specific records instantly
    * **Drill down** — click into any data point for deeper detail

    Qvista's caching layer keeps responses fast, while real-time data retrieval ensures you're always looking at up-to-date information from your source.

    <Tip>
      Share your view with teammates by clicking **Share** in the top-right corner. Collaboration is available on all plans — the Free plan supports up to 5 users simultaneously.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What's next?

Now that you have your first view up and running, here are some recommended next steps:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Explore data sources" icon="plug" href="/data-sources/overview">
    Connect additional databases, spreadsheets, and APIs, and establish relationships between them
  </Card>

  <Card title="Build richer visualizations" icon="chart-line" href="/visualizations/overview">
    Customize layouts, add charts, and configure real-time filters and drill-downs
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automate with Autoflux" icon="bolt" href="/autoflux/overview">
    Use Qvista's no-code visual workflow builder to automate tasks and connect apps
  </Card>

  <Card title="Invite your team" icon="users" href="/account-setup">
    Add collaborators to your workspace and configure role-based access
  </Card>
</CardGroup>