# Creating a Project

> Set up a new documentation project with a managed repository, your own GitHub account, or a repository you already have.

Source: https://docs.doccupine.com/platform/creating-a-project

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.doccupine.com/llms.txt).

# Creating a Project

From your dashboard, click **Create new project** to get started. You'll name your project and choose how its Git repository is managed.

## Repository modes

Doccupine needs a GitHub repository to store your documentation files. You have three options:

### Managed repository

Choose **Use managed repository** and Doccupine creates and manages the GitHub repo for you under its own organization. This is the simplest option - no GitHub account required on your end.

### User repository

Choose **Connect to GitHub** to link your own GitHub account via OAuth. Doccupine creates the repo in your account, giving you full ownership and direct access to the source files.

### Existing repository

Already have a Doccupine site in a repository? Choose **Connect an existing repository** to wire it up in place. Doccupine doesn't create a new repo or generate any content - it connects the one you have, sets up hosting, and installs the deploy webhook.

Your repo needs a `doccupine.json` file. Its location defines the root of the documentation project, so a site living in a subfolder of a larger repository works too - Doccupine builds from that folder.

<Callout type="note">
  You can connect your GitHub account at any time. If you're not sure, start with a managed repository - you can always migrate later.
</Callout>

<Callout type="info">
  Want the documentation written for you? [Import from GitHub](/platform/import-from-github) points the AI at any repository and generates a complete site instead of a starter one.
</Callout>

## What happens during setup

After you choose a repository mode, Doccupine runs an automated setup process:

1. Creates a GitHub repository
2. Commits a starter template with example documentation files
3. Creates a hosting project on the deployment platform
4. Runs the initial build and deployment
5. Sets up a webhook so future pushes to the `main` branch trigger automatic deploys

This takes about a minute. Once complete, you're redirected to your new project's file explorer.

<Callout type="success">
  Your site is live immediately after setup. Visit it using the **Visit** button in the project header.
</Callout>

## Project limits

The number of projects you can create depends on your plan:

- **Pro** - 1 project, up to 5 team members
- **Enterprise** - 6 projects, unlimited team members

If you've reached your limit, you'll see a prompt to upgrade your plan.