> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://flatfile.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting started with projects

> create a custom configuration step by step

<Note>
  **Legacy Documentation**: This content is maintained for backward compatibility and may not reflect the latest features or best practices. For current documentation, please refer to our updated guides.
</Note>

<Snippet file="shared/dxpbanner.mdx" />

## Before you begin

If you don't already have one, sign up for a Flatfile account
[here](https://flatfile.com/account/sign-up/).

<Note>
  To go through this tutorial you'll need a Flatfile account. We'll be using the
  credentials from your free account to assemble your first data import
  experience.
</Note>

In your account use the quickcopy button to copy your secrets key from the
[API Keys & Secrets](https://platform.flatfile.com/dashboard/keys-and-secrets)
page. You're about to use this credential to setup a listener in your account.

## Creating a custom app

In your Flatfile dashboard, click the **+** next to the Platform Apps header to
create a custom app. Name is `red` for the sake of this demonstration.

<Tip>
  Take note of the **namespace** that was auto-generated from the name of your
  App. It should be `red`. You'll need this soon.
</Tip>

## Building your custom app

Building a basic data import experience with Flatfile involves a four-step
process:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Setup a listener" href="/docs/legacy-docs/tutorials/projects/meet-the-listener" icon="circle-1">
    Import and extract your data
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configure a Space" href="/docs/legacy-docs/tutorials/projects/meet-the-workbook" icon="circle-2">
    Configure your data destination
  </Card>

  <Card title="Transform and validate data" href="/docs/legacy-docs/tutorials/projects/add-data-transformation" icon="circle-3">
    Process your data
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configure a submit Action" href="/docs/legacy-docs/tutorials/projects/submit-action" icon="circle-4">
    Export your data
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

During this guided tutorial you'll learn about key concepts and features of
Flatfile, and get familiar with the tooling Flatfile provides to help developers
build the best possible data import experience for your users.

***

## Next steps

Let's get started by configuring a listener you'll use later:
[Setup a Listener](/docs/legacy-docs/tutorials/projects/meet-the-listener).