# Connecting SimpliGen Cloud (/docs/cloud-credits/connecting)







SimpliGen Cloud runs your generations on powerful GPUs, so you can create without installing models or a local engine. Connecting takes a few seconds.

## Before you start [#before-you-start]

Make sure your license is activated first. If you have not activated yet, do that, then come back. See [Activation issues](/docs/troubleshooting/activation) if you run into trouble.

## Connect with an emailed code (recommended) [#connect-with-an-emailed-code-recommended]

1. Click **Connect to Cloud** on the connect banner at the top of the content area, or open the **Cloud** item on the rail's bottom system strip and choose **Request code**.

<img alt="The Connect to Cloud button on the connect banner" src="__img0" />

2. We email a 6-digit code to the address on your license.
3. Type the code into the app.

<img alt="Entering the emailed connection code" src="__img1" />

That is it. The **Cloud** item on the rail (bottom system strip) now shows your credit balance, and cloud buttons appear on supported presets.

Codes are single-use and expire after a short time, so always use the most recent one. If it does not arrive, check spam, wait a moment, and request a new code.

## Connect with a key instead [#connect-with-a-key-instead]

If you prefer, choose **Enter a key manually** in the **SimpliGen Cloud setup** modal and paste an API key from your account dashboard. The key starts with `sk-simpligen-`.

## After connecting [#after-connecting]

* Top up credits if you have not already. See [Buying credits](/docs/cloud-credits/buying-credits).
* Learn what each generation costs in [What a generation costs](/docs/cloud-credits/generation-cost).
* If your connection ever drops, see [Managing your cloud connection](/docs/cloud-credits/managing-connection).