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

# Make a Discord bot

> Create the bot on Discord's website and copy its token.

Before DogeBot can control a bot, the bot has to **exist** on Discord. You make it on Discord's own website, called the **Discord Developer Portal**. It's free and takes about 5 minutes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> This sounds scary, but it's just a few clicks. You only do it **once** per bot.

**1. Open the Developer Portal**

Go to [discord.com/developers/applications](https://discord.com/developers/applications) and sign in with your Discord account.

**2. Make a new application**

Click **New Application** in the top right corner. Type a name for your bot, like `Doge Helper`. You can change it later. Tick the box to agree to the rules and click **Create**.

**3. Give it a picture (optional)**

On the **General Information** page you can upload an **App Icon**. This becomes your bot's picture.

**4. Go to the Bot page**

In the menu on the left, click **Bot**.

**5. Turn on the three switches**

Scroll down to **Privileged Gateway Intents**. Turn **on** all three:

| Switch | Why your bot needs it |
| - | - |
| **Presence Intent** | Turn it on too, so all three are on. |
| **Server Members Intent** | For join and leave events, like welcome messages. |
| **Message Content Intent** | To read messages, like word filters and XP. |

Then click **Save Changes**.

> [!WARNING]
>
> If you skip this, things like welcome messages and word filters won't work, because your bot can't "see" members or messages.

**6. Copy the token**

Still on the **Bot** page, click **Reset Token**, then **Yes, do it!** Discord shows a long secret code. Click **Copy**.

This is your bot's **token**. You'll paste it into DogeBot on the next page.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **Keep the token secret.** Anyone who has it can control your bot. Never post it in a chat, a screenshot or a video. If you ever leak it, come back here and click **Reset Token** again. The old one stops working right away.

> [!TIP]
>
> Next: [connect your bot to DogeBot](/getting-started/connect-your-bot-to-dogebot).


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.