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

# Quickstart: create and deliver your first Copycat vault

> Install Copycat, activate your license, connect Google Drive, and deliver your first encrypted vault to a client — start to finish in under 10 minutes.

This guide walks you through every step from downloading Copycat to sharing a vault link with your first client. Each step links to a detailed guide if you need more help along the way.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download and install Copycat">
    Download the installer for your platform from [copy-cat.in](https://copy-cat.in) and follow the setup steps for macOS or Windows.

    See [Download and install Copycat](/docs/installation) for the full instructions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate your license">
    When Copycat opens for the first time, the license activation screen appears. Enter your license key and click **Activate**.

    If you don't have a license key yet, click **Start Trial** to begin a free trial. Your remaining trial days are shown in the license panel while the trial is active.

    <Note>
      Your license is verified online and tied to this device. You can deactivate it later from **Settings** if you want to move it to a different machine.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect Google Drive">
    Vault mode stores your encrypted preview vault on Google Drive. Go to **Settings → Google Drive** and click **Connect Google Account**. Sign in with the Google account you want to use for vault storage.

    See [Set up Google Drive](/docs/configuration/google-drive) for details on permissions and storage.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create your first vault">
    Switch to **Vault** mode in the mode selector at the top of the app.

    1. Click **Choose Source Folder** and select the folder containing your JPEG previews.
    2. Enter a project name in the **Project name** field.
    3. Click **Create Vault**.

    Copycat indexes the source folder, encrypts the preview data, uploads it to Google Drive, and generates a vault URL, short code, and passphrase.

    See [Create a vault](/docs/guides/create-vault) for full details on vault creation options.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Share the vault link and passphrase with your client">
    Once the vault is created, Copycat shows the vault URL and passphrase. Copy both and send them to your client however you prefer — email, WhatsApp, your studio's client portal, or anything else.

    Your client opens the URL in any browser, enters the passphrase to unlock the vault, and selects or rejects photos. No app download is required on their end.

    <Tip>
      Copy the passphrase hint along with the full passphrase — your client will see the hint on the unlock screen if they forget.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sync selections and copy RAW files">
    When your client finishes selecting, come back to Copycat and click **Sync Selections**. Copycat downloads their choices from the vault.

    Next, click **Copy Selected RAW**, choose your RAW source folder and a destination, and Copycat copies only the files your client selected.

    See [Sync and copy RAW files](/docs/guides/sync-and-copy) for details on handling multi-match files and copy reports.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create a vault" icon="lock" href="/docs/guides/create-vault">
    Detailed guide to vault settings, expiry, and passphrase options.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sync and copy RAW files" icon="arrows-rotate" href="/docs/guides/sync-and-copy">
    What to do after your client finishes selecting.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reference mode" icon="folder-open" href="/docs/guides/reference-mode">
    Copy RAWs from an exported filename list without a vault.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Paste mode" icon="clipboard" href="/docs/guides/paste-mode">
    Paste filenames directly into Copycat for quick copy runs.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>