Create a server
Pick a project, size, region and operating system, add SSH keys and launch a VPS.
A VPS is a virtual machine with full root access. Creating one takes a minute in the dashboard and a few minutes to boot.
Before you start
- You have credit in your account. Servers are billed by the hour.
- You have a project to put the server in.
- Ideally, you have an SSH key. Some operating systems require one.
Create the server
Open VPS → Create server. Each field unlocks once the previous one is filled in.
- Server name: something you'll recognise, for example
web-prod-01. - Project: where the server belongs.
- Size: choose Dedicated or Shared CPU, then a size. Sizes are grouped by region, so picking a size also picks the region. Each option shows memory, vCPUs, disk and the monthly price, and the form shows the estimated hourly price. See Sizes, regions and billing.
- OS image: the Linux distribution to install.
- SSH keys: switch on Add SSH key pair and tick one or more keys. You can add a new key without leaving the form. If the image requires a key, this switch is locked on.
Choose Create server. The server appears in the list with the status creating, then active once it's ready.
Shared or dedicated CPU?
Shared CPU is cheaper and fine for websites, small apps and test environments. Dedicated CPU guarantees the cores are yours, for steady heavy workloads like databases and builds.
Next steps
- Connect to your server
- Point a domain at it: create an A record with the server's public IP in DNS Management.
- Give a teammate access
Last updated 19 October 2026 · Something missing or wrong? Tell us