> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.astera.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.astera.com/setting-up/cloud/creating-an-account-in-astera-cloud-portal.md).
# Creating an Account in Astera Cloud Portal
The Astera Cloud Portal provides secure access for managing your data integration projects in the cloud. In this document, we will walk through the steps to create an account on the Cloud Portal.
1. Go to [cloudastera.com](https://cloudastera.com/).
2. Click *Create an account*.
3. Astera offers two methods to create your account:
* *Sign Up with Microsoft* – Useful for users who have an active Microsoft account.
* *Sign Up with Email* – Suitable for any other email domains.
Select your preferred method and go through the MFA steps.
4. Once you have signed up, Step 2: *Profile* will appear. Enter your *First Name* and *Last Name* here.
5. Click *Start Trial,* you will be directed to the portal home page
You can now launch your designer by clicking *Launch Designer* to start designing data integration flows in Astera.
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