====== Cloud Account Management ======

===== Overview =====

Criterion's cloud features enable users to collaborate securely when creating digital critical editions. All account operations are performed directly from the desktop application, in compliance with GDPR Regulation (Art. 17 – "right to be forgotten").

Account management allows users to create, modify, and protect their profile independently, securely, and without requiring interaction with external web portals.

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===== Accessing Account Management =====

Account management features can be accessed via three equivalent paths:

^ Operating System ^ Access Path ^
| Windows / Linux | **File → Sign In** |
| macOS | **Criterion → Sign In** |
| All Systems | **Settings → Preferences → Account tab** or click the **User Avatar Component** above the toolbar |

If the user is not authenticated, a login form is displayed with a **Create Account** option for initial registration.

{{ :criterion:file_signin.png?400 |File > Sign In}}

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===== Creating a New Account =====

To register a new Criterion account:

  1. From the login form, click Sign up
  2. Fill in the mandatory fields:
  - Name and Surname (max 50 characters; letters, spaces, apostrophes)
  - Email (unique, case-insensitive)
  - Password (minimum 8 characters with: uppercase, lowercase, number, symbol from !#@&%$; no spaces)
  - Confirm Password
  - Mandatory checkbox: "I accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy"
  3. Optional fields:
  - Institution/Home University
  - Keywords (max 8 keywords; max 40 characters each)
  4. Click Create Account

{{ :criterion:create_an_account.png?nolink&600 |}}

**After submission**:

  * The system shows the verification email page
  * A 6-digit verification code is sent (valid for 16 minutes)
  * After successful verification, the account is activated and the user can log in
  * A welcome email is sent from //criterion-itserr@d4science.org//

{{ :criterion:create_an_account_verify_your_email.png?nolink&600 |}}

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===== Prerequisites for Cloud Features =====

To use cloud collaboration features:

  * The user must be **authenticated** (Sign In completed)
  * The device must be **online** (active Internet connection)
  * The document must have been saved as a .critx file on disk (not an unsaved "virtual" document)