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

# Choose a sign-in method

> Decide which accounts visitors use to participate in your community.

Everyone can read the public community. Sign-in is required to post, vote, comment and reply.

| Method | Visitor account | Requirements |
| - | - | - |
| Maker’s HQ account | An account with Maker’s HQ | Included on Free; no website integration |
| Website sign-in | The customer's existing account on your website | Pro and a working server integration |

## Change the method

1. Open **Settings → Community sign-in → Configure**.
2. Choose the method.
3. For Website sign-in, complete the [integration guide](https://docs.makershq.dev/sign-in/website.md), enter the HTTPS endpoint and create a server key.
4. Choose **Save sign-in settings**.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Changing the method or integration URL signs out existing community sessions.
> Website identities are scoped to their project and are not merged with Maker’s
> HQ accounts by matching email addresses.

The dialog's Save action changes only the sign-in policy. Generating or revoking a key is immediate; Cancel does not undo those key actions.

## Website accounts and owner accounts

A website account lets a visitor participate. It does not grant access to the Maker’s HQ dashboard, moderation, billing or the appearance editor. Owners use their Maker’s HQ account for those tasks.

## If Pro ends

Website sign-in pauses. The saved URL and keys remain, but visitors cannot use that policy to participate until you restore Pro or explicitly switch to Maker’s HQ account sign-in. We do not silently change the method. Switching requires visitors to use Maker’s HQ accounts; it does not merge their existing website identities.

Next: [connect website sign-in](https://docs.makershq.dev/sign-in/website.md) or [manage server keys](https://docs.makershq.dev/sign-in/server-keys.md).


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