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updatedAt: 2025-08-01T11:28:46.000Z
agentTools:
projectIndex: https://developer.didimo.co/llms.txt
---
# Creating a New Project
Creating your first project in **Popul8 Express**? Here's how to do it step by step:
🎬 Check our Tutorial Video:
# 1. Add your License
When you launch **Popul8 Express** for the first time, you’ll be asked to add a license file.
* Select the license file from the location where you saved it (you received it via email).
* Once confirmed, the application will be activated.
# 2. Create Project
On the main screen, click the Create Project button to start a new project.
# 3. Configure the Project's Name, Location and Thumbnail
In the dialog window that appears:
* Enter a **project name** (e.g., Demo\_Test)
* Choose the **project folder** where the files will be saved.
* Add a **thumbnail** to make it easier to identify your project in the internal list.
**About the thumbnail:**
* You can select an image file (e.g., a screenshot or logo) to use as the project icon by adding the path to the image in the **Thumbnail** field when creating a new project.
* Alternatively, you can manually specify the image path by updating the `thumbnailFilePath` field in your project’s `.pp8` file (ProjectName.pp8). If you choose this manual method, unlink your project, and then re-import it to apply the changes.
This helps you quickly recognize your project at a glance.
# 4. Wait for Project Initialization
**Popul8 Express** will set up all required components. This can take a few seconds.
# âś… Done!
Your project has been successfully created, you’re ready to get started.
Good luck!
# ❓ What’s next?
Check how to add your first character to the scene → [Importing Your Own Base Character (Template)](https://developer.didimo.co/docs/how-to-add-your-first-character-to-the-scene)