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

# Create your first launcher

> Create the single launcher available in your Launcher Forge workspace and learn what to configure next.

# Create your first launcher

A launcher is the desktop application your players will use to install, update, and start your games.

<Warning>
  Each Launcher Forge account currently uses a single workspace, and each workspace can have only one launcher.
</Warning>

This means:

* You do not need to choose between multiple workspaces.
* You cannot create multiple launchers inside the same workspace.
* After creating your launcher, you will continue configuring that same launcher.
* If a launcher already exists, open it from the sidebar instead of creating another one.

## 1. Open the launcher creation option

Sign in to the Launcher Forge dashboard.

In the left sidebar, find the **LAUNCHERS** section and select **New launcher**.

<Frame caption="Select New launcher from the left sidebar">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/launcher-forge/VYAx1Owl1I5qyLx3/images/screenshots/create-launcher-sidebar.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=VYAx1Owl1I5qyLx3&q=85&s=44f102f395c88a1f990a78014468b2cb" alt="Launcher Forge sidebar with the New launcher option highlighted" width="258" height="908" data-path="images/screenshots/create-launcher-sidebar.png" />
</Frame>

<Note>
  The **New launcher** option is only used for the initial launcher creation. After the launcher exists, its name appears below this option in the sidebar.
</Note>

## 2. Confirm the creation

Launcher Forge displays a confirmation window before creating the launcher.

Select **Yes, create launcher** to continue.

<Frame caption="Confirm the creation of the launcher">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/launcher-forge/VYAx1Owl1I5qyLx3/images/screenshots/create-launcher-confirmation.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=VYAx1Owl1I5qyLx3&q=85&s=946333e3dcf3728c083954044e6bd2a3" alt="Confirmation window asking whether to create a new launcher" width="509" height="359" data-path="images/screenshots/create-launcher-confirmation.png" />
</Frame>

The system creates an empty launcher automatically. You do not need to complete a long creation form at this stage.

The launcher is created first so you can configure its design, images, games, behavior, and executable from its management page.

## 3. Open the new launcher

After confirming, Launcher Forge creates the launcher and opens its management page.

The new launcher also appears in the left sidebar. Select its name whenever you need to return to its configuration.

<Frame caption="The newly created launcher management page">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/launcher-forge/VYAx1Owl1I5qyLx3/images/screenshots/launcher-overview.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=VYAx1Owl1I5qyLx3&q=85&s=3ac0699f46cb2e8191dac328fe722b6b" alt="Launcher Forge management page for a newly created launcher" width="1903" height="910" data-path="images/screenshots/launcher-overview.png" />
</Frame>

## What appears on this page?

The launcher management page provides the main configuration areas.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Design" icon="palette">
    Configure colors, typography, layouts, templates, and the general appearance of the launcher.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Visual assets" icon="image">
    Manage backgrounds, banners, logos, launcher images, and visual resources.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configuration" icon="gear">
    Configure language, behavior, updates, and general launcher preferences.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Linked games" icon="gamepad">
    Connect the game that will be displayed and distributed through this launcher.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Launcher name

The launcher is initially created with a default name.

To change it, select the edit icon next to the launcher name and enter the final name you want players and team members to see.

Use a clear name related to your game, studio, or product.

## Executable icon

Launcher Forge also shows the Windows executable icon configuration.

On plans that do not include a custom icon, the generated launcher uses the official Launcher Forge icon.

<Info>
  The available launcher customization options depend on the active workspace plan.
</Info>

## Linked games

A newly created launcher does not have a game assigned yet.

The **Linked games** value initially shows `0`. You must create or select a game and associate it with this launcher before distributing it to players.

Do not generate the final launcher executable until you have reviewed its configuration and linked the correct game.

## Generate the executable

The **Generate executable** button creates the launcher build that can be distributed to users.

Before generating it, verify:

* The launcher has the correct name.
* Its design and visual assets are configured.
* Its language and behavior are correct.
* The game is linked.
* The game executable and releases are configured.
* The launcher preview has been reviewed.

<Warning>
  Generating the launcher does not automatically create or upload your game build. Game builds are published separately through the Launcher Forge interactive CLI.
</Warning>

## What should you configure next?

Follow this order to avoid missing important settings:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Rename the launcher">
    Replace the default name with the final launcher name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the design">
    Select the template and adjust the visual appearance.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add visual assets">
    Upload the logo, backgrounds, banners, and other supported images.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure launcher behavior">
    Review language, updates, and general preferences.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create and link your game">
    Register the game that will be distributed through the launcher.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and generate">
    Confirm the configuration before generating the executable.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  Your launcher has been created successfully. You can now configure it and connect your first game.
</Check>

## Next step

Continue with [Add your first game](/en/getting-started/add-game).