> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://farside.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://farside.gitbook.io/docs/user/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

This page explains the first setup flow in plain language.

## 1. Connect your wallet

Connect the wallet you want to use with Farside.

If the wallet is not connected, the product cannot identify your workspace or continue setup.

## 2. Check access

Some users may see beta access messages. If beta access is full or unavailable, the product may ask you to join a waitlist or try again later.

Access limits may affect:

* live trading
* available venues
* number of created bots
* number of running bots

## 3. Choose Paper or Live Trading

Choose paper mode if you want to learn, test, or create your first bot without live funds.

Choose live trading only if you are ready to connect a real trading venue and accept real-money risk.

## 4. Connect Trading Venue

Paper mode does not require a live venue connection.

Live trading requires venue setup:

* Hyperliquid requires connection and agent approval.
* dYdX requires identity/credential setup.

## 5. Fund & Approve Account

Live trading may require funding, agent approval, and platform fee setup before the account is ready.

Read [Fees](/docs/user/fees.md) for details about Farside platform fees, exchange fees, and venue-specific fee setup.

Do not launch a live bot until all required setup steps are complete.

## 6. Create a bot

Choose a bot name, strategy, markets, mode, venue/account, and risk settings.

Use [Bot Configuration Reference](/docs/user/bot-configuration.md) for field definitions.

## 7. Review & Launch

Before launch, review:

* selected wallet
* paper or live trading mode
* venue
* funding
* approvals
* bot strategy
* leverage and risk
* readiness checks

Launch only when the product shows the bot is ready.