# Choose your starting point

> You can start writing without connecting X, Telegram or an AI assistant.

Canonical: https://ownpost.fyi/docs/guides/start

## Before you begin

A running OwnPost workspace. If you are installing it yourself, start with Deploy your workspace.

## Steps

1. Open your workspace. A new installation shows Protect your workspace; an existing one shows Sign in.

2. Complete owner setup or sign in, then open Settings and confirm your timezone.

3. Open Write, enter one useful observation and wait for Saved to workspace. Find the draft again in Content.

4. Choose Prepare to post for the manual X handoff. You can add an AI assistant, Telegram reminders or API publishing later.

## A practical example

For your first session, save one idea, write one short draft and reopen it from Posts. Once that works, choose the assistant, reminders or API path that solves your next need.

## Check the result

Your first draft is saved and you can reopen it from Posts.

## Troubleshooting

If Posts looks empty, check the selected account and filters. Return to the editor and check the save status if your draft is missing.

## Keep going

[Set up your workspace preferences](https://ownpost.fyi/docs/guides/configure)

[Protect your new workspace](https://ownpost.fyi/docs/guides/owner-setup)

[Deploy your workspace](https://ownpost.fyi/docs/guides/deploy)

[Write and save your first post](https://ownpost.fyi/docs/guides/write)

## Related

- [Previous: Local quick start](https://ownpost.fyi/docs/quick-start)
- [Next: Workspace settings](https://ownpost.fyi/docs/guides/configure)