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

# Quickstart

> Set up Kao and import your first Discord emote.

## Prerequisites

You need a Discord account and a server where you have permission to manage the server or invite bots.

<Info>
  The hosted Kao Bot is the recommended setup for most people. You can import from the dashboard without creating a Discord Developer Portal application.
</Info>

## Step 1: Sign in

Go to [usekao.com](https://usekao.com), choose **Get Started**, and sign in with Discord.

Kao asks for access to your Discord identity and server list so it can show the servers you can manage. Kao does not read your messages.

## Step 2: Choose your bot setup

During onboarding, choose one of these options:

| Option             | Best for                                                 |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| Use Kao Bot        | Fast setup, no bot token, dashboard imports              |
| Bring Your Own Bot | Custom bot identity, custom status, and advanced control |

For the hosted setup, select **Use Kao Bot**.

## Step 3: Invite Kao

1. Select the server you want to manage.
2. Open the Discord invite from Kao.
3. Approve the requested permissions.
4. Return to Kao and wait for the install check to complete.

<Warning>
  If Discord says you cannot invite the bot, make sure your account has permission to manage the server or ask a server administrator to invite Kao.
</Warning>

## Step 4: Import an emote

1. Open **Import** in the dashboard.
2. Choose the target server.
3. Search for an emote or paste Discord emote text.
4. Preview the emote and edit the emoji name if needed.
5. Click **Import**.

Kao shows progress while the emoji is uploaded. Larger batches may take longer because Discord limits how quickly any server can create emojis.

## Step 5: Keep going

After your first import, the most useful next actions are:

* Open **Servers** to review, rename, or delete emojis.
* Create a **Backup** before making large changes.
* Save favorite emotes into a **Collection**.
* Use **Activity** to see what is running or what finished.

<CardGrid>
  <Card title="Managing Emojis" href="/guides/managing-emojis">
    Review and clean up your server emojis.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Backups" href="/guides/backups">
    Save a restore point before big changes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Collections" href="/guides/collections">
    Build reusable emote sets.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bot Setup" href="/concepts/bot-system">
    Compare hosted and BYOB setup.
  </Card>
</CardGrid>