> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.digits.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.digits.com/firms-getting-started/adding-your-first-client.md).
# Adding Your First Client
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#### Step 1: Start from your firm's dashboard
You can add a client directly from your **Firm Dashboard**.\
There are three ways to start:
1. Click **Add Client** at the top right of your dashboard (next to “Send Feedback”).
2. Or, click your **firm name** in the top-left corner and select **Add Client** from the dropdown.
3. If this is your first client, you can click **Add your first client** in the middle of the dashboard.
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#### Step 2: Choose your account setup
On the "*How would you like to get started?*" screen, select how you'd like to set up the client's account:
* **Start Fresh with Digits** – Create new books using Digits’ AI Bookkeeping Agent.
* **QuickBooks Migration** – Migrate an existing Chart of Accounts directly from QuickBooks. For more information, see: [Migrate Data from QuickBooks Online (QBO)](/firms-getting-started/migrate-from-quickbooks.md)
* **Non-QuickBooks Migration** (*Puzzle, Xero, Other)* – Set up a client coming from another platform. Digits doesn't pull data from these automatically: you'll build the Chart of Accounts (Auto Create or CSV) and import historical transactions by CSV. For more information, see: [Migrate to Digits from Xero, Puzzle, or Another Platform](/firms-getting-started/migrate-to-digits.md)
See [Choosing Your Client's Setup Method](/firms-getting-started/setup-methods.md) for full details.
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#### Step 3: Choose your client's chart of accounts
On the "*Choose your accounting categories*" screen, decide how to set up categories (you can configure now and import or sync transactions later):
* **Auto Create** — let Digits create your categories for you.
* **Manual Upload** — upload your own custom categories from a CSV.
See [Categories (Chart of Accounts)](/firms-agentic-general-ledger/category-manager.md)
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#### Step 4: Complete your client's profile
Enter the **Company Name**, then select the **Country** and **State**.
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#### Step 5: Confirm your client's billing plan
Choose who pays:
* **Our Firm** — your firm pays and manages billing for this client.
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**Note:** If your firm pays for the subscription, billing begins when you confirm the client's paid plan—not when the client accepts the invitation or activates their account.
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If your firm has already set up Free Firm Books, your billing info will be on file.
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* **My Client** — the client pays for their own Digits subscription; your firm keeps full access. (Client Pays availability can depend on your firm's plan or agreement — if you don't see this option, reach out to your Digits contact.) See [Client Pays in Digits](/client-management/client-pays-in-digits.md)
Then, under **Pick your plan**, choose the plan for this client and click **Next**. Review the Billing Summary (plan name, price, and amount due today) and click Add Client. A prorated amount is added to your next bill.
***
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#### Step 6: Connect your client's banks & cards
Connect the client's financial accounts — American Express, Brex, Chase, Mercury, Ramp, or 10,000+ other banks — so Digits automatically syncs and categorizes their transactions in real time. Click Connect for each account, then Next. You can also connect more accounts later from the Connections tab.
See [Connections](/firms-connections/firms-connections.md)
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**Note:** Once connected, sync time may vary depending on the amount of data being processed.
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### Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip connecting accounts right now?
Yes. You can connect later after reviewing your client setup.
Will my client get access right away?
Not yet — you’ll need to invite them separately (see [Inviting Client Team Members](/client-management/roles-and-permissions.md)).
Can I manage my own firm's books instead?
Yes! See [Free Books for Your Firm](/my-firm-account/free-books.md) to manage your internal accounting in Digits.
***
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Got a question or feedback? Our team is all ears—come say hello!
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---
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