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

# Creating a Server

> Create a new Melonly server, link your Discord server, import data from another bot, and choose a plan.

***

## Before You Start

* You need a Discord server where you're an administrator if you want to link one. Linking is optional, but needed to import data.
* You can be in up to 15 servers. If you've hit the limit, leave or delete a server you no longer use.

***

## Creating Your Server

Open your [Dashboard](https://melonly.xyz/dashboard), click **New**, then **Server**.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Name your server">
    Enter a **Server Name** (up to 100 characters).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Link your Discord server (optional)">
    Pick it under **Link Your Discord Server**. Only Discord servers where you're an administrator are listed. If yours is missing, click **refresh** (or **reconnect Discord**) under the field.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose whether to import">
    Answer **Do you want to import logs and shifts from another service?** Choosing Yes requires a linked Discord server and skips the plan step.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick your plans">
    Click **Continue**, choose the plans you want (see below), then click **Create server**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

If the Melonly bot isn't in your Discord server yet, you're sent to Discord to add it first. You're then brought back and the server is created.

***

## Choosing a Plan

| Plan | Options |
| - | - |
| Melonly Plus | Monthly, Annually or Lifetime. Unlocks premium tools like infractions, session announcements and automatic ER:LC shifts. |
| Departments | 1, 6 or Unlimited departments. Includes rosters, shouts, permissions and Melonly CAD. |
| Free Forever | The Mod Panel, Discord bot and basic ER:LC features. |

You can combine Plus and Departments, but only with monthly Plus. Annual or Lifetime Plus can't be bundled with other plans.

If you create the server without a paid plan, you're offered a one time 7-day free trial of Melonly Plus. Choose **Start 7-day free trial** or **Stay on free plan**. Paid plans take you to checkout.

See [Melonly Plus](/Guides/plus) and [Plans & Billing](/Department/plans) for what each plan includes.

***

## After Creating

You land on your new server's dashboard. If you chose to import, the import starts there. See [Switching to Melonly](/Guides/Miscellaneous/switch#import-your-data).

Next, set up your server in [Settings](/Dashboard/settings) and share your join code with your staff from [Member Requests](/Dashboard/members/requests).

***

<Card title="Need help?" icon="headset" href="https://melonly.xyz/discord">
  Still have questions? Join our Discord server for support from the Melonly Team.
</Card>


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