# Create a project and your first topic

**Category:** [CCMS](https://help.totalctrl.app/hc/totalctrl/totalctrl-help-center/en-US/categories/ccms)
**Updated:** 2026-08-19

## Create a project

Open CCMS and choose **New Project**. Give it a name and an optional description. In project settings you also set a **primary language** and any **secondary languages** you plan to translate into, plus an optional **custom domain** for the published portal (which you verify separately).
## Add a topic

From inside the project, choose **New Topic**. Pick a **topic type** that matches the content:

- **Concept** — explains an idea or background.
- **Task** — step-by-step instructions.
- **Reference** — lookup tables, specs, parameters.
- **Troubleshooting**, **Policy**, and **Tutorial** for those specific needs.

Set the title and language, then create the topic to open the editor. New topics start in **Draft** status.
## Write in the editor

Type your content directly in the topic editor. Changes **autosave** as you work, and you can save named **versions** at milestones and restore an earlier one later. The editor surfaces relevant **Glossary** terms and **Style** rules for the topic's language so your wording stays on-brand. To pull in shared content, insert a [snippet or variable](snippets-and-variables).
## Find topics later

Every topic also appears in the global **Topic Library**, which lists topics across all projects so you can reuse and search them in one place. When a topic is ready, send it through [review and publishing](review-publish-topics).

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## Related Articles

- [Build and publish a publication](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/build-and-publish)
- [Translate topics](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/translate-topics)
- [Reuse content with snippets and variables](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/snippets-and-variables)
- [CCMS overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/ccms-overview)
- [Review and approve topics](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/review-publish-topics)

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