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

# Your first generation on Mage

> Create an account, pick a model, write a one-sentence prompt, and generate your first image on Mage in a few minutes.

You can go from a new account to a finished image in a few minutes. This page walks the shortest path. Everything it mentions has its own reference page.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create an account">
    Signing up is free and comes with a 300 Gem sign-up bonus. Gems work with every model on Mage, so the bonus lets you try any of them. Bonus Gems expire 90 days after they are credited.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick a model">
    The model decides more about your result than anything you type. Two good first picks: Z-Image is fast and unlimited from Basic, and Mango 3 is Mage's own image model for characters and editing, unlimited from Pro. For anime, start on Anima. The [models overview](/models/overview) lists every option, and [which model should I use](/models/which-model-should-i-use) routes by what you are making.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write the prompt">
    One sentence is enough to start: a subject, a setting, and a lighting cue. Specifics steer the model, filler does not. See [how to write a prompt](/prompting/basics).

    ```text theme={null}
    a portrait of a mountain climber at dawn, warm backlight, 35mm
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate">
    The result lands in your account. Nothing is posted anywhere unless you post it yourself. See [why Mage is private by default](/privacy/private-by-default).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Where to go next

* **Out of bonus Gems?** Unlimited generation on eligible models starts with Basic at \$10 per month. See [comparing plans](/plans/comparing-plans).
* **Want the same face across images?** Build a Character once and reference it in every prompt. See [Characters](/features/characters).
* **Need a bigger file?** The Image Enhancer app upscales any image. See [Enhance and upscaling](/features/enhance).
* **Want video?** Unlimited video starts on Pro. See [video models compared](/models/video-models-compared).