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

# Create a sandbox

> Create a WordPress sandbox and choose its name, stack, region, lifespan, and debugging options.

Most sandboxes need only the defaults. The create form exposes the rest when you need a specific stack, region, lifespan, or starting point.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/sandy-wp/QrIaogrIPttSMHEN/images/docs/create-new-site.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QrIaogrIPttSMHEN&q=85&s=0f13fa2f4ca91a588b701976db255011" alt="The New sandbox form with site name, WordPress version, and PHP version" width="900" height="675" data-path="images/docs/create-new-site.png" />

## Start the form

Open **New sandbox** from the [dashboard](https://app.sandywp.com/app). You can also create a free guest sandbox from the [SandyWP homepage](https://sandywp.com).

Provisioning progress stays visible until the sandbox reaches `ready`. At that point, open the public site or use **Auto Login** to enter `wp-admin`.

## Basic options

| Option                | What it changes                                                                                         |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Site name**         | An optional display name. The unique URL slug is derived from it; leave it blank for an automatic name. |
| **Template**          | Starts from a saved snapshot. The template's WordPress and PHP versions are used.                       |
| **Server**            | Choose **Auto** for the best available region, or select an available region.                           |
| **WordPress version** | Uses the latest release by default, with supported older lines available.                               |
| **PHP version**       | Uses PHP 8.3 by default. You can later change it from [PHP settings](/guides/php).                      |

## Advanced settings

Open **Advanced settings** for lifetime and debugging choices.

### Site lifespan

Account-owned sandboxes can be set to one hour, one day, one week, two weeks, one month, or permanent. Permanent sandboxes require a paid plan.

Guest sandboxes always expire after seven hours, regardless of the selected value. See [Lifespan and permanence](/guides/site-lifespan) for expiry and retention details.

### Standard or debugging setup

**Standard** creates a clean production-style WordPress installation. **Debugging** can enable WordPress debug mode, Query Monitor, a `wp-content/debug.log`, visible debug output, and unminified core assets.

<Warning>
  Visible debug output can expose errors to visitors. Use it only on a disposable sandbox intended for debugging.
</Warning>

## After creation

Use the sandbox dashboard to open `wp-admin`, change PHP settings, connect a Git repository, browse files, or open the database. Save a configured sandbox as a [Template](/guides/templates) when you expect to reuse it.