# Set up and brand your community

**Category:** [Community](https://help.totalctrl.app/hc/totalctrl/totalctrl-help-center/en-US/categories/community-1)
**Updated:** 2026-08-19

## Create the community

The first time you open the Community app, you are taken to a setup screen. Enter a **name** (required), an optional **tagline**, a **primary color**, and a **privacy** setting (public by default). When you save, TotalCtrl generates a unique slug, creates a default **General** space, and adds you as the first admin member.
## General settings

Open **Settings** and use the **General** tab to refine the name, tagline, and description. Here you can also:

- Change **privacy** between public and private.
- Turn on **Require approval** so new members start as pending until you approve them.
- Allow or block **guest posts**.
- Set a **welcome message** and **terms of service**.

## Branding

On the **Branding** tab you control the look of the public portal. Set the **primary** and **accent** colors, toggle **dark mode**, and upload a **logo**, **favicon**, and **cover** image. Uploaded images are stored securely and served back through the app, so you can either upload a file or paste an existing image URL.
## Notifications

Use the **Notifications** tab to enable a member **digest** and choose its frequency (for example weekly). Once branding and general settings look right, move on to [creating spaces](create-and-organize-spaces).

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## Related Articles

- [Community Overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/community-overview)
- [Managing Members and Spaces](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/managing-members-and-spaces)
- [Community overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/community-overview-1)
- [Create and organize spaces](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/create-and-organize-spaces)
- [Moderate posts and comments](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/moderate-posts-and-comments)

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