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

# First Connection

> Create your first connection and verify everything is working.

## 1. Create a Connection

1. Open **Home** > **Connections**
2. Click **New Connection**
3. Fill in:

* Name
* Host
* Port (`22` default)
* Username
* Authentication method

Optional in **Profile** tab:

* `TERM` preset or custom value
* Per-connection terminal font size
* Per-connection terminal theme
* Startup command and startup command delay (ms)

## 2. Choose Authentication

### Password

1. Select **Password**
2. Enter password
3. Password is stored in your system keychain

### Public Key

1. Select **Public Key**
2. Use an existing key, or paste/import a private key
3. If encrypted, provide passphrase (stored in keychain)

## 3. Save and Connect

1. Click **Save & Connect**
2. Review host key fingerprint on first connection
3. Click **Accept** only if fingerprint matches what you expect

## What You Should See

* A new terminal tab for the connected host
* Session actions in tab context menu (including SFTP)
* Connection saved on Home for next use

## Where to Go Next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Manage Connections" icon="server" href="/connections/overview">
    Organize hosts, groups, and authentication details.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use Terminal Features" icon="terminal" href="/terminal/overview">
    Work with tabs, reconnect flow, history, and logging.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Transfer Files" icon="folder-tree" href="/sftp/overview">
    Use SFTP workflows for upload, download, and remote operations.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manage SSH Keys" icon="key" href="/keys/overview">
    Import, generate, and export keys to hosts.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>