> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pictor.network/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pictor.network/docs/participants/gpu-requesters/ai-builders/get-started.md).

# Get Started

Access Pictor Network’s high-performance GPUs for your AI workloads and other GPU-intensive tasks, on demand and at a fraction of the cost.

## Step 1: Create Pictor Account <a href="#create-pictor-account" id="create-pictor-account"></a>

Go to [app.pictor.network](https://app.pictor.network/) and sign in with your Google account or connect to a crypto wallet (like Aptos's Petra).

<figure><img src="/files/FtPSZUvYgfjqHwezQg5R" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 2: Top up Credits <a href="#get-credits" id="get-credits"></a>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note**: To rent GPUs on Pictor Network, you will need credits.

* You can buy credits by depositing crypto (USDT) or Fiat (via PayPal) directly.
* Or, you can claim free credits by checking in daily.
  {% endhint %}

### Top up credits

Navigate to the **Credit** section on the sidebar, and deposit crypto (currently, we support USDT) or Fiat (via PayPal) to buy credits.

<div><figure><img src="/files/1xi7Nhn5BlqwPPJ8SSZM" alt=""><figcaption><p>Crypto Top-up</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/JSXYOJ476HjaHl905OHA" alt=""><figcaption><p>Fiat Top-up</p></figcaption></figure></div>

### Claim free credits

Alternatively, navigate to the **Rewards** on the sidebar >> **Daily Check-In** section and claim free credits by checking in daily.

<figure><img src="/files/o0b3GIqu1sT5VC4hD5FX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note**:&#x20;

* 1 USDT = 1 credit
* PayPal charges **4.4%** the payment amount + **$0.3** fee
  {% endhint %}

## Step 3: Create an Instance

1. Select hardware specs

* Navigate to **GPU Renting** on the sidebar > **Marketplace** tab, and select the instance hardware specs. You can also search for the particular GPU Model as you want.
* Decide on the GPU count and storage for the instance.

<figure><img src="/files/DAPBEg8N2Xl5RSW0ndJ2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Configure rental settings

* Add a name for your instance.&#x20;
* Select the rental duration
* Enable/disable the Auto Renewal feature
* Add SSH Keys&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/LTxpMwFX52KmGcEOI6tl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Rent the instance

Review all the settings in the Summary section, and click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Rent Instance`</mark>, then confirm to create it.

<figure><img src="/files/vRUlZgpWLCWQdiGsUjNb" alt=""><figcaption><p>Review rental settings</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/H8EmZS8OALN2FC7SAI0q" alt=""><figcaption><p>Confirm to rent the instance</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note**:

1. **Auto Renew:**&#x20;

&#x20;       • **Enabled:** Instance automatically renews for the same duration when it expires

&#x20;       • **Disabled:** Instance will be terminated at the end of the duration period

2. **Storage fee**:&#x20;

* $0.2 per 1GB/month.&#x20;
* This fee is applied regardless of the instance status (running or stopped). and will only stop once the instance has been completely deleted.
  {% endhint %}

## Step 4: Connect to Instance

Once your instance is created, it will appear in the Instance tab.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/bB6JQoGd91TNNsdbVGUJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
The instance may take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to start.
{% endhint %}

* Once the status displays **Running**, click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Connect to Instance`</mark> button.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/AjUtkyJbXLv7xX3ktqOb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Copy the command line provided, and you can connect to your instance and start working directly from the command line.

<figure><img src="/files/1nRt8xSR9fLHqNOem89O" alt=""><figcaption><p>Copy command line</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/NcOdQvaYXj5vlwI5sXhD" alt=""><figcaption><p>Connect to the Instance</p></figcaption></figure>

## Step 5: Manage Instance

From the same tab, you also have other options to stop the instance, extend your rental, enable or disable auto-renewal, or delete your instance.

### Stop instance

You can temporarily stop an instance at any time to pause the usage time.

To stop your instance,&#x20;

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Stop Instance`</mark>&#x20;
* A confirmation window will appear, indicating that usage time will stop.
* Click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Stop Instance`</mark> to confirm.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important Note**:&#x20;

When an instance is stopped, it stops the instance usage time, but storage fees will continue to apply until the instance is completely deleted.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Extend Rental Time

You can easily extend your instance’s rental time to continue your work without interruption.

To extend,&#x20;

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Extend Time`</mark> button.
* A window will appear, allowing you to enter the number of hours to add.
* Enter the number of hours you want to extend and click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Extend Time`</mark> to confirm.

### Auto-renew

The auto-renew feature ensures your instance doesn't get interrupted, which is useful for long-term tasks.

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Auto Renew`</mark> button.
* A window will appear, showing the current status (Enabled/Disabled).
* If you want the instance to automatically renew upon expiration, ensure the status is Enabled. If you want to terminate the instance after the rent period ends, click Disable Auto Renew.

### Delete an Instance

When you no longer need an instance and want to stop all related charges, you can delete it completely.

* Click the <mark style="color:yellow;">`Delete Instance`</mark> button.
* A confirmation window will appear, warning that this action is permanent.
* Click <mark style="color:yellow;">`Delete Instance`</mark> to permanently remove the instance and all its stored data.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important Note**:&#x20;

This action will permanently delete the instance and all its stored data. There is no way to recover the data after deletion.
{% endhint %}

<br>