# Creating / Updating Instances

Instances require an Actuator URL to be created, you can create one or more at the same time. It is not possible to configure authentication settings at the instance level, as the instance always takes its authentication settings from the app.

### Creating an Instance

There are two ways to create a new instance.

The first is by clicking on the `+` sign in the upper left corner, or anywhere on the tree and selecting  `Create Instance`. When using this approach, you will also be required to supply an application name, and a new application will be created to house your instance.

<figure><img src="https://141808391-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQIUN58YadwFHHtojkuQ5%2Fuploads%2FbGX9zxzv0qokrQlr7dSY%2F2023-03-29%2016.47.03.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=a37166d2-ed75-4c13-88f5-b55610ece7f9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The second is by right clicking on an existing app and selecting `Add Instance`, this will automatically pair the new instance with the app upon creation.

<figure><img src="https://141808391-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQIUN58YadwFHHtojkuQ5%2Fuploads%2F8Ah7GbdVCQeYDAEGdFqB%2F2023-03-29%2016.50.52.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=e7576df4-fd6e-45cc-88ae-4fa25917a2bd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In this dialog, you can change the instance's actuator URL, optional alias, and icon.

### Updating an Instance

To update an instance, right click on it and hit `Update`.&#x20;

In this dialog, you can change the instance's actuator URL, optional alias, and icon.

<figure><img src="https://141808391-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQIUN58YadwFHHtojkuQ5%2Fuploads%2FwHONmHZUZiiuDk6N1w1S%2F2023-03-29%2016.53.13.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=30e403bd-c38c-45a2-ac3d-c317e265c9f0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.ostara.dev/documentation/instances/creating-updating-instances.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
