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

# Quickstart

> Choose a character, start a chat, create your own, and generate an image.

You do not need to learn every feature before you begin. A useful first session takes only a few steps.

## Chat with a public character

1. Open [Explore](https://ourdream.ai).
2. Choose a public character that matches the kind of conversation you want.
3. Read the public description and greeting so you understand the setup.
4. Send a message in your own words. You can edit or regenerate if the reply takes the story in the wrong direction.

## Create your own character

1. Open [Create](https://ourdream.ai/create).
2. Choose the style, gender, general appearance, face, body, and voice.
3. Add a name, greeting, scenario, and personality.
4. Generate options and choose the image that best establishes the character.
5. Keep the character **Private** while you test it.

For a guided first build, follow the [six-step character workflow](/characters/overview). It separates planning, appearance, writing, progression, gallery creation, and testing so each stage has one job.

## Generate an image

Open [Generate](https://ourdream.ai/generate), select a character, and combine up to three independent preset types:

| Preset     | Controls                               |
| ---------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Pose       | Position, stance, gesture, or movement |
| Outfit     | Clothing, accessories, and footwear    |
| Background | Environment, lighting, and atmosphere  |

Use the Custom Prompt for extra visual direction and the Negative Prompt for things you want the model to avoid. Keep temporary details here rather than adding them to the character's permanent appearance fields.

## Tune a chat

Open the chat settings to choose the model, response length, creativity, memory, persona, and custom instructions. Start near the defaults. Move one control, test a few replies, and keep the change only if it produces the effect you wanted.

<Tip>
  When something goes wrong, return to a simple setup. Remove custom prompts or
  instructions, then add them back one at a time.
</Tip>