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

# Getting Started

> Complete guide to signing up, understanding credits, and creating your first custom geographical data export in minutes.

Get up and running with custom geographical data exports in just a few minutes. This guide walks you through account setup, understanding the credit system, and creating your first export.

## Step 1: Create Your Account

Choose your preferred sign-up method to get started with free trial credits.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="GitHub Sign-Up">
    **Quick One-Click Registration**

    1. Visit [CSC Export Tool](https://export.countrystatecity.in)
    2. Click "Sign up with GitHub"
    3. Authorize the application
    4. You're ready to go!

    <Check>
      **Instant Setup**: Your account is created immediately with free trial credits added automatically.
    </Check>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Email Sign-Up">
    **Magic Link Authentication**

    1. Visit [CSC Export Tool](https://export.countrystatecity.in)
    2. Click "Sign up with Email"
    3. Enter your email address
    4. Check your inbox for the magic link
    5. Click the link to complete registration

    <Tip>
      **No Password Required**: We use secure magic links for authentication - no need to remember another password!
    </Tip>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Step 2: Understanding the Credit System

Credits are the currency used to generate exports. Here's everything you need to know:

### How Credits Work

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Dataset Costs" icon="database">
    **Per Dataset**

    * Countries: 1 credit
    * States: 3 credits
    * Cities: 4 credits
  </Card>

  <Card title="Format Costs" icon="file-code">
    **Additional Format Fees**

    * JSON / NDJSON / XML / YAML: +2 credits
    * CSV / Markdown: +3 credits
    * SQL: +4 credits
    * Excel (.xlsx) / GeoJSON: +4 credits
    * PostgreSQL / SQL Server / SQLite3: +5 credits
    * MongoDB Extended JSON: +3 credits
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Credit Calculation Examples

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Simple Country Export">
    **Scenario**: Countries data in JSON format

    * Countries dataset: 1 credit
    * JSON format: +2 credits
    * **Total: 3 credits**

    Perfect for basic country dropdowns in web forms.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="E-commerce Checkout">
    **Scenario**: Countries with states data in JSON format

    * Countries dataset: 1 credit
    * States dataset: 3 credits
    * JSON format: +2 credits
    * **Total: 6 credits**

    Ideal for multi-level location selection in checkout forms.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Analytics Dashboard">
    **Scenario**: All datasets in CSV format for Excel analysis

    * Countries dataset: 1 credit
    * States dataset: 3 credits
    * Cities dataset: 4 credits
    * CSV format: +3 credits
    * **Total: 11 credits**

    Great for comprehensive data analysis and visualization.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Database Migration">
    **Scenario**: Countries data ready for PostgreSQL import (dialect-specific schema)

    * Countries dataset: 1 credit
    * PostgreSQL format: +5 credits
    * **Total: 6 credits**

    Perfect for populating database tables with geographical data.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Free Trial Credits

<Info>
  **Every new user receives free trial credits** to test the system and explore different export options before purchasing additional credits.
</Info>

<Card title="View Pricing & Credit Packages" icon="credit-card" href="https://countrystatecity.in/pricing">
  See how many trial credits you get and compare credit packages
</Card>

## Step 3: Your First Export

Let's create a simple countries export to get familiar with the process.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Dataset">
    1. Log into your account
    2. Click "Create New Export"
    3. Under "Datasets," select **Countries**
    4. You'll see "1 credit" cost indicator

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/webbywonder/images/export-tool/select-dataset.png" alt="Dataset selection interface showing Countries option selected" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Fields">
    Select the specific data fields you need:

    **Recommended for first export:**

    * `name` - Country name
    * `iso2` - 2-letter country code
    * `currency` - Currency code
    * `phone_code` - International dialing code

    <Tip>
      **Start Simple**: Choose 4-5 essential fields for your first export to see how the system works.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Format">
    Choose **JSON** for your first export - it works great for web applications.

    <CodeGroup>
      ```json JSON Output Preview theme={null}
      {
        "countries": [
          {
            "name": "United States",
            "iso2": "US",
            "currency": "USD",
            "phone_code": "1"
          },
          {
            "name": "Canada",
            "iso2": "CA",
            "currency": "CAD",
            "phone_code": "1"
          }
        ]
      }
      ```

      ```csv Alternative: CSV Format theme={null}
      name,iso2,currency,phone_code
      United States,US,USD,1
      Canada,CA,CAD,1
      ```
    </CodeGroup>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview & Confirm">
    1. Click **"Preview Export"** to see a sample of your data
    2. Review the credit cost displayed
    3. If satisfied, click **"Create Export"**

    <Warning>
      **Credit Deduction**: Credits are deducted only when you click "Create Export," not during preview.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download Your Data">
    1. Wait for processing (usually 10-30 seconds)
    2. Click **"Download ZIP"** when ready
    3. Extract the ZIP file to access your JSON data

    <Check>
      **Success!** You've created your first custom geographical data export.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Managing Your Credits

### Checking Your Balance

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Dashboard View">
    Your credit balance is prominently displayed on the main dashboard:

    * Current credits remaining
    * Recent transaction history
    * Usage patterns and recommendations
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Account Page">
    Access detailed credit information:

    * Complete transaction history
    * Credit purchase receipts
    * Usage analytics and insights
    * Upcoming credit expiration (credits never expire!)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### When You Need More Credits

<Card title="View Credit Packages" icon="credit-card" href="https://countrystatecity.in/pricing">
  Compare credit packages and find the best option for your needs
</Card>

### Purchasing Credits

<Card title="View Pricing & Purchase Credits" icon="credit-card" href="https://countrystatecity.in/pricing">
  Choose from flexible credit packages and purchase securely
</Card>

**Payment Features:**

* Powered by Dodo Payments
* Major credit cards accepted
* Secure, encrypted transactions
* Credits added instantly to your account

## Account Dashboard Overview

Your dashboard provides everything you need to manage exports and credits:

### Main Features

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Export History">
    * View all previous exports
    * Re-download files for 30 days
    * See credit costs for each export
    * Track usage patterns over time
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Credit Management">
    * Current balance display
    * Purchase history with receipts
    * Usage analytics and recommendations
    * No expiration dates on credits
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Account Settings">
    * Personal information management
    * Email notification preferences
    * API access (coming soon)
    * Security settings and login methods
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

Now that you've got the basics down, explore these advanced features:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Explore Use Cases" icon="lightbulb" href="/tools/export-tool/use-cases">
    See real-world examples for e-commerce, mobile apps, and analytics
  </Card>

  <Card title="Learn Export Formats" icon="file-code" href="/tools/export-tool/formats">
    Deep dive into JSON, CSV, XML, YAML, and SQL format options
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Common Getting Started Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How quickly can I create an export?">
    Most users complete their first export within 2-3 minutes of signing up. The process is designed to be intuitive and fast.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I make a mistake in my export?">
    Use the preview feature before confirming to see exactly what you'll get. Preview is free and doesn't use credits.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I modify an export after creating it?">
    You'll need to create a new export for different fields or formats. However, you can re-download the same export for 30 days.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if I run out of credits?">
    Simply purchase more credits - they're added instantly to your account and never expire.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

<Note>
  **Ready to create more exports?** Check out our [use cases guide](/tools/export-tool/use-cases) for inspiration and practical examples.
</Note>