# Your First 5 Minutes
**Having trouble getting started?** This guide walks you through your first successful experience with AgenticFlow, step-by-step, with actual screenshots and no assumptions about your technical background.
> **🎯 Goal**: By the end of these 5 minutes, you'll have created and tested your first AI agent, understand how credits work, and know exactly what to do next.
***
## Before You Start
**What You Need:**
* An AgenticFlow account (if you don't have one, [sign up here](https://agenticflow.ai))
* 5 minutes of uninterrupted time
* No technical skills required!
**What You'll Learn:**
* How to navigate the AgenticFlow dashboard
* How to create your first AI agent in under 2 minutes
* How to test your agent with a simple task
* How the credit system works
* Where to get help when you're stuck
***
## Step 1: Your Dashboard Tour (30 seconds)
When you first log into AgenticFlow, you'll see the Marketplace:
**Key Areas to Know:**
1. **Top Bar**: Quickly search templates and manage your profile and projects.
2. **+ Create Buttons**: Blue buttons to create new agents or workflows.
3. **Left Sidebar**: Navigate Marketplace, AI Studio (Agents, Workflows, Connections), AI Chat, Documents, and Settings.
4. **Credits Remaining**: See how many credits you have left to run agents and workflows.
5. **Main Area**: Browse, select, and use templates.
6. **Copilot chat**: AI Assistant helps answer your questions about AgenticFlow based on system documentation.
> **💡 Tip**: If your screen looks different, you might be in a different section. Click "Home" in the left sidebar to get to your dashboard.
***
## Step 2: Create Your First Agent (2 minutes)
Let's create a simple AI assistant. AgenticFlow has a sophisticated agent system, but we'll start simple.
### 2.1 Start Creating an Agent
1. **Click the "+ Create Agent" button** in the top right corner
2. **Enter basic information**:
* **Agent Name**: `My Writing Assistant`
* **Description**: `Helps me write better emails and content`
3. **Click "Create Agent"**
### 2.2 Configure Your Agent (The Real Power)
After creation, you'll see the agent configuration interface with multiple tabs. For now, we'll just set up the basics:
1. **Click the "System Prompt" tab**
2. **Replace the default prompt with this**:
```
You are a helpful writing assistant. You help users:
- Write professional emails
- Improve their writing style
- Check grammar and tone
- Suggest better word choices
Always be friendly and constructive in your feedback.
```
3. **The system auto-saves** - you'll see a checkmark when saved
> **💡 Advanced Note**: AgenticFlow agents can do much more (connect to 300+ tools, use knowledge bases, manage tasks, etc.) but we're starting simple.
***
## Step 3: Test Your Agent (1 minute)
Now let's make sure your agent actually works.
### 3.1 Start a Conversation
1. **Click "Chat" or "Test"** to open the chat interface
2. **Type this test message**: "Help me write a professional email to thank a client for their business"
3. **Press Enter or click Send**
### 3.2 See the Magic Happen
Your agent should respond with a helpful email template within 10-20 seconds.
### 3.3 What If Nothing Happens?
**If your agent doesn't respond:**
* Check your internet connection
* Make sure you have credits remaining (top right corner)
* Try a shorter, simpler message like "Hello"
* If still stuck, [join our Discord](https://qra.ai/discord) for instant help
***
## Step 4: Understand Credits (30 seconds)
Notice the credit counter in the bottom left? Here's what you need to know:
**How Credits Work:**
* Each agent interaction costs 3-4 credits
* You get free credits to start with
* Different actions cost different amounts
* You can see your usage in Settings > Billing
**Don't Worry About Running Out:**
* The platform will warn you before you run out
* You can purchase more credits or upgrade your plan
* Free tier is generous enough for learning and testing
To view usage details, go to **Settings** (click your profile avatar or the bottom-left gear icon) → **Usage**.
***
## Step 5: What's Next? (1 minute)
Congratulations! You've successfully:
* ✅ Created your first AI agent
* ✅ Tested it with a real task
* ✅ Understood how credits work
### Immediate Next Steps
**Try These Simple Tasks with Your Agent:**
* "Help me write a follow-up email"
* "Make this text more professional: \[paste some text]"
* "What's a better way to say 'please let me know'?"
**When You're Ready for More:**
1. **Explore Templates**: Click "Templates" to see pre-built agents
2. **Create a Workflow**: Try the visual workflow builder
3. **Add Tools**: Connect your agent to Gmail, Slack, or other apps
4. **Join the Community**: [Discord](https://qra.ai/discord) for tips and help
***
## Getting Help
**If Something Doesn't Work:**
1. **Check the FAQ**: Common issues and solutions
2. **Join Discord**: - Real people, real-time help
3. **Email Support**:
4. **Community Forums**:
**Documentation that Actually Helps:**
* [Agents Quickstart](/get-started/agents-quickstart.md) - Deeper dive into agents
* [Workflows Quickstart](/get-started/workflows-quickstart.md) - Visual automation builder
* [Templates](/get-started/templates.md) - Ready-to-use solutions
***
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
### "I can't find the Create Agent button"
* Make sure you're on the main dashboard
* Look in the top right corner for blue buttons
* Try refreshing the page
### "My agent isn't responding"
* Check you have credits remaining
* Try a simpler message first
* Check your internet connection
### "The interface looks different from the screenshots"
* We update the interface regularly
* Core functionality remains the same
* [Contact support](mailto:support@agenticflow.ai) if you're completely lost
### "I'm out of credits already"
* Free tier includes substantial credits for testing
* Check Settings > Billing to see usage
* Consider upgrading if you're using it actively
***
**🎉 Success!** You've completed your first 5 minutes with AgenticFlow. You now know more than 80% of new users and have a working AI agent you can improve and expand.
**Questions?** We're here to help - [join our Discord](https://qra.ai/discord) and say hello!
---
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