> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://brightdata-ipv6-release.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Get Started with Proxy Manager

> Get started with Bright Data's Proxy Manager by choosing Cloud Server or On-Premise, and begin managing and customizing your proxies for optimal performance.

<Tip>
  if you haven't yet signed up for Bright Data, you can [sign up for
  free](https://brightdata.com/), and when adding your payment method, you'll
  receive a \$2 credit on sign up and aditional \$5 credit once you enter payment method.
</Tip>

<Steps>
  <Step title={<a href="https://brightdata.com/cp/start">Sign in</a>} />

  <Step title="Select your prefered method">
    <CardGroup cols={2}>
      <Card title="Cloud Server (Recommended)" href="/proxy-networks/proxy-manager/configuration#bright-data-cloud-hosting" icon="cloud" />

      <Card title="On-Premise" href="/proxy-networks/proxy-manager/configuration#local-remote-installation" icon="house">
        You take care of the installation, management, and monitoring
      </Card>
    </CardGroup>

    <Accordion title="Cloud Server Benifits">
      * No installation or server setup necessary - Log-in straight to our [web app](https://brightdata.com/cp/zones/lpm) from anywhere

      * Managed end-to-end solution

      * Live server status monitoring by Bright Data's 24/7 teamTo see further info on installation and setup see the [Introduction video](https://brightdata.com/webinar/how-to-start-using-the-bright-data-proxy-manager).
    </Accordion>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start managing your proxies">
    Once Proxy Manager is installed, you can [log-in](https://brightdata.com/cp/zones/lpm) and start managing your proxies by [setting up ports](https://docs.brightdata.com/proxy-networks/proxy-manager/configuration#port-targeting-configuration) configured with your zone settings.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Implement rules and headers">
    Now you can [implement rules and headers](https://docs.brightdata.com/proxy-networks/proxy-manager/configuration#rules-and-headers-configuration) to customize your proxies to your needs. This will ensure a more cost-optimized usage of bandwidth and more accurate results.
  </Step>
</Steps>