To create an account, simply download the latest version of [Vector Messenger](https://vectorapp.io/) and with one single click, hit "Create Account". Afterwards, you can visit the Profile tab to see what all features you would like to update and customize your preferences.
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Username
Optional. Pick your Display Name that you would like others to reference you as. This is public to everyone that has you added and also shared in the same group chats. If you would like to remain anonymous, you do not have to create a Username or Display Name. A maximum of 32 characters are allowed.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Status
Optional. Each user can update a status at any given time and it will display under the Username or Display Name on the top navigation bar when a user inspects your profile or is in a private chat with you. Basic characters and emojis are supported. A maximum of 200 characters are allowed.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Bio
Optional. Customize your Biography or About Me section by adding text, emojis, and even hyperlinks. If you would like to remain anonymous, you do not have to add any private or public information to your bio. A maximum of 1,000 characters are allowed.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Avatar
Optional. You can customize your Avatar or Display Picture and edit it at anytime. Suggested dimensions for a Vector Avatar (Profile Picture) are at least 512x512 px, but the higher the image resolution the better it generally looks.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Banner
Optional. Additionally, you can add a Display Banner that will show behind your Avatar. Suggested dimensions for a Vector Display Banner are at least 1500x600 px.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
### Public Key
Vector Messenger's default account creation utilizes the Nostr network and gives you a network key that comes with a `npub` or Nostr Public Key, which is the equivalent of giving your username or mailing address to add contacts you would like to chat with. It helps users to identify that this is you and there are no two addresses or npubs that are the same. You can create as many accounts as you would like and you don't have to update them with any personal information, remaining fully anonymous.
> Example: npub1hrujuc08r4zcdtn0u6ts7u7apldcjqgftz0z7stmaaz9hwaf9jxs66f3yh
### Private Key
Additionally, with owning your own public key comes with the right to self-custody for your private key. Nostr provides each account with a Nostr Private Key or `nsec` and should not be shared with anyone. Sharing this with anyone and engaging in poor security practices is a way to increase the risk of having your account compromised. Do not store your private key or `nsec` digitally and especially not locally on any of your devices, on the cloud, or anywhere online. Lose this private key and you lose your entire account. Back it up safely and store it offline, somewhere only you know where. Do note share your Nostr Private Key `nsec` with anyone!
> Example: nsec1qrp33g0qch228f4h03e4n0m4w4k3j5j7c0z7e9g5p9p9p9p9p9p9p9p9p9p9p9p9p9p9p9p
### Multi-Accounts
Vector supports owning and operating multiple accounts, but could create conflict and unexpected behavior due to the current `v0.2.2` release's capabilities. Plans are to allow for an improved and simplified "Account Switching" where a user can operate multiple accounts and easily swap back and forth through the GUI without running into any unexpected issues.
### Switching Accounts
It is possible to logout and switch accounts from the initial version of Vector `v0.1.0`, but users may still experience some unexpected behavior due to the current stage of development. In order to logout and switch accounts, visit the Settings tab on the bottom navigation bar and scroll to the bottom and click the "Logout" button. As of `v0.2.2` it is not recommended to logout and switch accounts for potential issues and unexpected behavior mentioned above.
{% hint style="info" %}
Your nsec can be found at the bottom of your Settings tab, under Export Account.
{% endhint %}
---
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