---
layout: '@/layouts/DocsLayout.astro'
source: pirform
description: Get an introduction to starting work with Shine Forms, and an outline of all the online documentation.
---


Welcome! The sections below will help you get started with Shine Forms. For further assistance, contact our [help desk](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/support/) or use the search box at the top right.

:::success{title="Free Trial"}
Try Shine Forms for free with a [30-day trial](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/free-trial).
:::

:::success{title="Shine Forms YouTube Channel"}
Watch our videos on the [Shine Forms YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwFjvQ3JUCzwsIS0DG3C-hA).
:::


![Shine Forms Home Screen](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/_img/home-screen.png)

# First steps

Read these articles to install Shine Forms, set up your company, and create your first certificate:

* [Installing Shine Forms](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/installing)
* [Applying your licence](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/managing-licences#applying-a-licence)
* [Set up your company and engineers](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/company-and-engineers)
* [Creating new certificates](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/creating-certificates#creating-new-certificates)
* [Saving to PDF](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/saving-to-pdf) (including [circuit charts](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/saving-to-pdf#creating-circuit-charts))

# Working with certificates

These articles cover working with certificates:

* [Using the Board Manager](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/board-manager)
* [Working with observations and limitations](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/observations-and-limitations)
* [Working with boards and circuits](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/boards-and-circuits)
* [Working with the inspection schedule](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/inspection-schedule)
* [Attaching photos to observations](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/photos-and-documents#photos-in-observations)
* [Attaching documents as appendices](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/photos-and-documents#working-with-appendices)
* [Checking your spelling](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/spellchecker)

# Understanding backups

Learn how to keep your certificates safe and where they are stored:

* [Backups](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/backup)
* [Save and backup locations](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/save-and-backup-locations)

# Working with others

Shine Forms makes it easy to collaborate with other engineers:

* [Sharing certificates using export files](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/certificate-sharing)
* [Merging boards and observations from other engineers](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/merging-certificates)

For managing Shine Forms for multiple users:

* [Sharing company details across machines](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/company-details-export)
* [Manage licences for multiple engineers](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/managing-licences#licences-for-multiple-engineers)
* [Set up online backup and sharing](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/backup)

# Changing options and settings

Customize Shine Forms to suit your needs:

* [Accessing and changing options](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/options)
* [Changing drop-down list values](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/drop-down-list-manager)

# Stay in touch

The Start Page shows your recently opened certificates and our [blog](https://blog.shineforms.co.uk). Check the blog for new articles and announcements.

![Shine Forms Start Page](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/_img/start-page.png)

# Tips for working in Shine Forms

Helpful sections for working in Shine Forms:

* [Using collapsible sections](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/collapsible-sections)
* [Creating certificates from existing ones](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/creating-certificates#copying-and-creating-certificates)
* [Using keyboard shortcuts](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/keyboard-shortcuts)
* [Using tablet mode on Windows 10](https://www.shineforms.co.uk/docs/tablet-mode)