# Strapi Cloud - Dashboard deployment

> Source: https://docs.strapi.io/cloud/getting-started/deployment

Deploy your Strapi project on Strapi Cloud using the dashboard by choosing a plan, connecting a Git repository, configuring your project settings, and setting up billing details.

This is a step-by-step guide for deploying your project on Strapi Cloud for the first time, using the Cloud dashboard.

:::prerequisites
Before you can deploy your Strapi application on Strapi Cloud using the Cloud dashboard, you need to have the following prerequisites:

* Strapi version `4.8.2` or higher
* Project database must be compatible with PostgreSQL. Strapi does not support and does not recommend using any external databases, though it's possible to configure one (see [advanced database configuration](/cloud/advanced/database)).
* Project source code hosted on [GitHub](https://github.com) or [GitLab](https://about.gitlab.com/). The connected repository can contain multiple Strapi applications. Each Strapi app must be in a separate directory.
* Specifically for GitLab: at least have "[Maintainer](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/permissions.html)" permissions for the project to import on Strapi Cloud.
:::

## Logging in to Strapi Cloud

1. Navigate to the [Strapi Cloud](https://cloud.strapi.io) login page.

2. You have the options to log in with **GitHub**, **Google**, **GitLab** or via **One Time Password**. Choose your preferred option and log in. This initial login will create your Strapi Cloud account. Once logged in, you will be redirected to the Strapi Cloud *Projects* page where you can create your first Strapi Cloud project.

## Creating a project {#deploying-a-project}

1. From the *Projects* page, click the **Create project** button.

2. You will be redirected to the project creation interface. This interface contains 3 steps: choosing a plan, connecting a remote git repository, and setting up the project.

3. Choose a plan and a billing period for your Strapi Cloud project (see [Pricing](https://strapi.io/pricing-cloud) for details).

4. Connect a git repository to your new Strapi Cloud project. You may first have to select a git provider. If you have already deployed a project with one git provider, you can afterward deploy another project using another provider by clicking on the **Switch git provider** button and selecting either GitHub or GitLab.

    :::strapi Choose your path for your new Strapi Cloud project!
    Select one of the tabs below depending on how you wish to proceed:
    - by deploying a prebuilt Strapi template *(recommended for new users and beginners — only available on GitHub)*,
    - or by deploying your existing Strapi project.
    :::

    4.a. After connecting your GitHub account, click on the **Use template** button.

    4.b. In the *Create repository with template* modal, choose the GitHub account where the repository will be created

    4.c. Click on the **Create repository** button. A modal will confirm the creation of the repository.

    4.d. If you have already given Strapi Cloud access to all repositories of your GitHub account, go directly to the next step. If not, you will be redirected to a GitHub modal where you will have to allow Strapi Cloud access to the newly created repository (more information in the [GitHub documentation](https://docs.github.com/en/apps/overview)).

    4.e. Back in the project creation interface, the *Account* and *Repository* fields now match the newly created template.

    :::tip
    Connect the GitHub or GitLab account that owns the repository you want to deploy. This can be different from the account you used to log into your Strapi Cloud account.
    :::
    :::note

    You can only connect a GitHub organization repository on a paid plans. On the free plan, you can only connect a personal repository.
    :::

    4.a. If you have already given Strapi Cloud access to all repositories of your GitHub or GitLab account, go directly to the next step. If not, you will be redirected to a modal where you will have to allow Strapi Cloud permission to access some or all your repositories on GitHub/GitLab (more information in the [GitHub](https://docs.github.com/en/apps/overview) and [GitLab](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/integration/oauth_provider.html#view-all-authorized-applications) documentation).

    4.c. Back in the project creation interface, select the *Account* and the *Repository* you want to deploy.

5. Set up your Strapi Cloud project.

    5.a. Fill in the following information:

    | Setting name | Instructions                                                                                            |
    |--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
    | Display name | The name is automatically populated based on the repository you selected, but you can edit it if needed. |
    | Git branch   | Choose from the drop-down the branch you want to deploy. |
    | Deploy on push | Tick this box to automatically trigger a deployment when changes are pushed to your selected branch. When disabled, you will need to manually deploy the latest changes. |
    | Region       | Choose the geographic location of the servers where your Strapi application is hosted. Selected region can either be US (East), Europe (West) or Asia (Southeast). |

    :::note
    The Git branch and "Deploy on push" settings can be modified afterwards through the project settings. However, the hosting region can only be chosen during the creation of the project (see [Project Settings](/cloud/projects/settings)).
    :::

    5.b. (optional) Click on **Show advanced settings** to fill in the following options:

    | Setting name | Instructions                                                                                            |
    |--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
    | Base directory | Write the name of the directory where your Strapi app is located in the repository. This is useful if you have multiple Strapi apps in the same repository or if you have a monorepo. |
    | Environment variables | Click on **Add variable** to add environment variables used to configure your Strapi app (see [Environment variables](/cms/configurations/environment/) for more information). You can also add environment variables to your Strapi application by adding a `.env` file to the root of your Strapi app directory. The environment variables defined in the `.env` file will be used by Strapi Cloud. |
    | Node version | Choose a Node version from the drop-down. The default Node version will automatically be chosen to best match the version of your Strapi project. If you manually choose a version that doesn't match with your Strapi project, the build will fail but the explanation will be displayed in the build logs. |

    :::strapi Using Environment Variables
    You can use environment variable to connect your project to an external database rather than the default one used by Strapi Cloud (see [database configuration](/cms/configurations/database#environment-variables-in-database-configurations) for more details). If you would like to revert and use Strapi's default database again, remove your `DATABASE_` environment variables (no automatic migration implied).

    You can also set up here a custom email provider. Sendgrid is set as the default one for the Strapi applications hosted on Strapi Cloud (see [providers configuration](/cms/features/email#providers) for more details).
    :::

## Setting up billing details

:::strapi No billing step for the Free plan
If you chose the free plan, this billing step will be skipped as you will not be asked to share your credit card details at the creation of the project.

 Skip to step 5 of the section below to finalize the creation of your project.
:::

1. Click on the **Continue to billing** button. You will be redirected to the billing page where you can enter your payment details and review your invoice.

2. In the *Payment method* section, add a credit card. This card will be used for all project-related transactions, including add-ons and overages.

3. In the *Billing information* section, fill in your payment details and billing address.

4. Review the *Invoice* section. When purchasing a monthly subscription, the subscription price will be prorated for the remaining days in the current billing cycle. Optionally, expand the *Discount code* section to enter a code.

    :::note
    Taxes may be added to your invoice based on your billing address:
    - In the EU, UK, Canada, and India, providing a valid VAT ID exempts you from VAT. If no valid VAT ID is provided, VAT will be added to your invoice.
    - In the US, applicable sales taxes are calculated based on your state and address.
    :::

5. Click on the **Subscribe** button to finalize the creation of your new Strapi Cloud project.

## Deploying your project

After confirming the project creation, you will be redirected to your *Project dashboard* where you will be able to follow its creation and first deployment. 

While your project is deploying, you can already start configuring some of your [project settings](/cloud/projects/settings).

:::note
If an error occurs during the project creation, the progress indicator will stop and display an error message. You will see a **Retry** button next to the failed step, allowing you to restart the creation process.
:::

Once your project is successfully deployed, the creation tracker will be replaced by your deployments list and you will be able to visit your Cloud hosted project. Don't forget to create the first Admin user before sharing your Strapi project.

##  What to do next?

Now that you have deployed your project via the Cloud dashboard, we encourage you to explore the following ideas to have an even more complete Strapi Cloud experience:

- Invite other users to [collaborate on your project](/cloud/projects/collaboration).
- Check out the [deployments management documentation](/cloud/projects/deploys) to learn how to trigger new deployments for your project.