> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/~/revisions/bM7yG7XCmGE9IxWqMpBu/getting-started/basic-tutorials/log-in-dcd.md).
# Log in to the Data Center Designer
1. Open the [DCD](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#data-center-designer-dcd) in your web browser by going to [**https://dcd.ionos.com**](https://dcd.ionos.com).
2. Select your preferred language (**DE** | **EN**) in the top right corner of the **Log in** window.
3. Enter the **Email** and **Password** created during registration.
4. Click the **Log in** button.
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Verification code:** By default, no code is required. You may activate this option at a later time. You will need the Google Authenticator app to generate the code.
{% endhint %}
### Dashboard
Once you have logged in, you will see the Dashboard. The Dashboard shows a concise overview of your data centers, resource allocation, and options for help and support. You may click on the IONOS logo, in the Menu bar, at any time, to return to the Dashboard.
Inside the Dashboard, you can see the **My Data Centers** list and the **Resource Allocation** view. The **Resource Allocation** view shows the current usage of resources across your infrastructure.
Usually, clicking on a data center in the **My Data Centers** list opens the data center. However, if this is your first time using DCD, you will need to create your first Virtual Data Center ([VDC](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#virtual-data-center-vdc)). Learn how to set VDC defaults in the [Setup a Data Center](/cloud/~/revisions/bM7yG7XCmGE9IxWqMpBu/getting-started/basic-tutorials/configure-data-center.md).
### Menu bar
The Menu bar, at the top of every DCD screen, has buttons that allow you to access the DCD features, notifications, and help. These buttons also allow you to manage your account.
| **Menu option** | **Description** |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| 1. IONOS logo | Return link to the Dashboard. |
| 2. Data Center Designer | List existing VDCs and/or create new ones. |
| 3. Storage | List storage buckets and/or create new ones. |
| 4. Containers | Manage Kubernetes and Container Registeries. |
| 5. Databases | Manage Databases. |
| 6. Management | User, Group and Resource settings and management. |
| 7. Notification icon | Shows active notifications. |
| 8. Help icon | Customer Support and FTP Image Upload info. |
| 9. Account Management | Account settings, resource usage and billing methods. |
---
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