---
title: Getting started with Collage
slug: getting-started-with-collage
category: getting-started
tags: getting-started, dashboard, navigation, orientation, onboarding
summary: A quick tour of the Collage Dashboard and sidebar navigation so new users can find, organize, and share assets fast.
updated: 2026-07-07
url: https://support.collage.inc/articles/getting-started-with-collage
---

# Getting started with Collage

Welcome to Collage, your cloud-based digital asset management (DAM) platform. This quick tour orients you to the two things you'll use most: the **Dashboard** (your central hub) and the **sidebar navigation** on the left. Once you know where things live, storing, finding, and sharing assets takes just a few clicks.

## Sign in first

If you haven't logged in yet, head to [Logging in to Collage](https://support.collage.inc/articles/logging-in-to-collage). After a successful login you'll land on the Dashboard.

## Your Dashboard at a glance

The Dashboard is your central hub for managing digital assets. It's divided into a few key areas:

- **Search Bar** — in the global top header (present across the app, not just the Dashboard), type keywords, file names, or tags and results appear as you type.
- **Quick Actions** — instant options to create or upload: **New Asset**, **New Collage**, and **New Folder**. This area also surfaces the **Uncategorized Assets** notification when assets are uploaded without a folder — click it to categorize them.
- **Recents** — your most recently added Collages and folders, with tabs for each. Every item shows a name, asset count, and a lock icon if permissions are applied.
- **Last 7 Days** — a bar chart of your activity: **Viewed**, **Added**, **Downloaded**, and **Shared**. Hover a bar for daily counts, or click **View All** for a custom range.
- **Recently Added** — your latest assets, each with a thumbnail, name, upload date, folder, and file type.

> Note: A lock icon on a Collage or folder means specific permissions or restricted access apply to it.

## Navigate with the sidebar

The left-hand sidebar takes you anywhere in Collage:

- **New** — create menu for a new asset, Collage, or folder.
- **Dashboard** — your central hub.
- **Collages** — curated groupings of assets.
- **Folders** — the folder tree where assets live.
- **Sharing** — share links you've created.
- **Portals** — your branded distribution sites.
- **Notifications** — recent account activity.
- **Trash** — deleted items, recoverable for a limited time.
- **Profile / Settings** — your profile and account settings.
- **Help / Support** — support articles and contact options.