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This guide walks you through creating a new DeanDesk platform from signup to your first active users.

Prerequisites

  • An email address to register with
  • Your institution’s name and preferred web address (e.g. yourschool)
  • (Optional) Your logo file ready to upload

Create your platform

1

Sign up

Go to deandesk.com/get-started and create your account. Enter your name, email address, and a password.
2

Choose a template

After signing in, DeanDesk will prompt you to set up your first platform. Select the template that best matches your use case:
TemplateBest for
SchoolK-12 or higher education institutions with enrolled students and teachers
Course CreatorIndependent instructors selling and delivering online courses
Test Prep AcademyAcademies focused on exam preparation and tracked practice
Community / OrganizationGeneral membership organizations, nonprofits, and communities
You can fine-tune all settings after your platform is created.
3

Name your platform

Enter your institution’s name and choose a hostname. Your platform will be available at:
https://yourname.deandesk.com
You can also enter a custom domain (e.g. portal.yourschool.com) if you have one. Custom domain mapping is available on higher-tier plans — contact DeanDesk if you need it.
4

Set your branding

Upload your logo, choose a primary color, and pick a font theme. These settings control how your platform looks to students and members. You can update them at any time from Admin Dashboard → Settings.
5

Click Create Platform

DeanDesk provisions your platform instantly. You will be redirected to your new Admin Dashboard.

Invite your first users

Once your platform is ready, add your team and students.
  1. Go to Admin Dashboard → User Creation
  2. Enter each instructor’s first name, last name, and email address
  3. Assign the Teacher and Member roles
  4. Click Send — each instructor receives a welcome email with activation instructions
Use the CSV upload option to create multiple instructor accounts at once. Download the template, fill in the columns, and upload.

Next steps

Set up your calendar

Define academic years, terms, and school events.

Create courses

Build your first course and assign it to an instructor.

Configure payments

Connect Stripe and start collecting tuition or fees.

Explore the mobile app

Learn how students access your platform on iOS and Android.