# How Launchfolio works

> From sign-in to a live portfolio: use Google, claim a name, build for free, then pay $30 for your first year to publish it.

https://www.launchfolio.live/docs/en/how-it-works · 2026-10-11

Four steps to your own portfolio website, and what happens between them.

## The steps at a glance

Sign in (with Google) → Claim a name (`launchfolio.live/your-name`) → Build (free) → Pay ($30 first year) → Publish (after review)

Your name becomes your web address, like `launchfolio.live/your-name`. Building is free. When you want to publish, you pay $30 for your first year ($2.50/month, billed yearly), then $15 a year after that. See [Billing and renewals](https://www.launchfolio.live/docs/en/billing-and-renewals).

## What happens, and when

- **Sign in with Google** — No password to remember. Google asks which account to use. New owners choose a site name next; returning owners open their dashboard.
- **Claim your name** — Type the name you want. If it’s free, claim it and open your new dashboard.
- **Build your site, free** — Add your photo, a short bio and your work. Visitors can’t see it yet. You have 21 days from claiming your name to pay.
- **Pay to publish** — Press **Publish** and pay $30 for your first year: by bank transfer, or with a voucher code if we gave you one.
- **We review it** — A real person looks at every new site, usually within 1 business day. You can keep building.
- **Publish** — Once approved, one click puts your site live for everyone.

## What a finished site looks like

**Practice copy** (`launchfolio.live/your-name`): A practice site with made-up details. Yours shows your own photo, words and work.
1. The top bar: your name, a link to each section, and a light and dark switch for visitors.
2. Your profile comes first: photo, name, a one-line headline, where you are and a short bio.
3. Education and Experience show as a timeline. You can switch them to cards or a compact list.

## Common questions

**Is there a monthly fee?**
No monthly bill. You pay once a year: $30 for the first year ($2.50/month, billed yearly), then $15 a year ($1.25/month, billed yearly). Nothing is charged automatically; we remind you before each renewal. See [Billing and renewals](https://www.launchfolio.live/docs/en/billing-and-renewals).

**Can I build before I pay?**
Yes. You can edit, design and preview your site for free. You pay $30 when you want to publish it. Unpaid sites are deleted 21 days after claiming a name.

**Can I build before my site is approved?**
Yes. You can edit everything while you wait. Only the Publish button stays locked until approval.

**Do I need a password?**
Not with Google: new owners sign in with it, so there is no password. Existing accounts that have a password can still sign in with their username or email and password.

**Is the app in Arabic?**
Yes. The app and this help centre are in English and Arabic. Your site can be in either language too.

## Where to go next

- [Claim your name](https://www.launchfolio.live/docs/en/claim-your-name): The rules for names, and what happens after you pick one.
- [Pay to publish](https://www.launchfolio.live/docs/en/pay-and-review): Paying when you publish, bank transfer, voucher codes and the review.
- [Build your site](https://www.launchfolio.live/docs/en/build-your-site): The editor, sections, photos and videos.