---
title: Get Started with Runner
description: Choose the right starting path, enter your workspace, and begin building or connecting a store.
---

**What this covers:** You will know which setup path to follow and where Runner takes you after each step.

Use this section when you are signing in for the first time, starting a Runner-powered store,
or connecting an existing Shopify store.

**Entry path:** Runner public home → choose **Start**, **Start for free**, or **Open Workspace**.

![Runner AI public home page](https://ixft9x6szo.ufs.sh/f/Cc8uxBgAYTzgDRp30UwmoeRbFHcSPrynU5Il76xY2q981Nj4)

## Choose your path

| Your situation | Start here | What happens next |
| --- | --- | --- |
| You want to explore Runner before signing in | [Explore Runner before sign-in](./explore-runner-before-sign-in.mdx) | Review the public navigation, language, demo, and account actions available in the current rollout. |
| You want to evaluate a store template | [Browse and remix templates](./browse-and-remix-templates.mdx) | Compare desktop, mobile, and screenshot previews, then check the current remix availability. |
| You do not have a Runner account | [Sign in](./sign-in.mdx) | Verify your account, then enter a workspace. |
| You want Runner to create the storefront and store backend | [Create a Runner store](./create-runner-store.mdx) | Runner creates a project and opens its conversation. |
| You already sell through Shopify | [Connect Shopify](./connect-shopify.mdx) | Runner starts a Shopify connection or reuses an eligible existing connection. |
| You want the shortest complete walkthrough | [Build your first store](./first-store-quickstart.mdx) | Move from a store idea to preview and publication checks. |
| You see an introductory dialog or credit reward | [Welcome tour and daily credits](./welcome-tour-and-daily-credits.mdx) | Learn the main areas or claim the reward currently shown. |

## The first-run path

1. Select **Start**, **Start for free**, or **Open Workspace** on the Runner site.
2. Sign in with Google or email.
3. Complete the short business questionnaire if Runner shows it.
4. Open your workspace and select **+ Store**.
5. Choose **Build new** or **Connect Shopify**.
6. Enter the required store details and continue.
7. Use the project conversation to tell Runner what you want to build.

## Before you begin

- You need access to the email or Google account used to sign in.
- A workspace can have store and seat limits. Runner shows an upgrade path when a limit
  blocks an action.
- **Connect Shopify** may not appear for every workspace.
- A generated preview, a published storefront, and working checkout are separate states.

## If you get stuck

- If an email code fails, request a new code after **Resend verification code** becomes available.
- If **+ Store** opens an upgrade message, review the current workspace plan before retrying.
- If Shopify is not shown, build a Runner store or check whether Shopify access is enabled for
  your workspace.

## Related guides

- [Sign in](./sign-in.mdx)
- [Explore Runner before sign-in](./explore-runner-before-sign-in.mdx)
- [Browse and remix templates](./browse-and-remix-templates.mdx)
- [Create a Runner store](./create-runner-store.mdx)
- [Connect Shopify](./connect-shopify.mdx)
- [Build your first store](./first-store-quickstart.mdx)