Steps to get started

Key information before you start your Wikipedia journey.

First of all, create an account

Create a User page to introduce yourself to other editors and legitimise your account

New article restrictions

  • New accounts must be at least four days old and have made 10 edits before they can publish a new article directly.
  • Before meeting these requirements, new articles will be submitted to the Articles for Creation process for review by another editor.
  • You can still edit existing articles while waiting.
  • Check your edit count in the Preferences menu.

Wikipedia’s key principles

The Five Pillars of Wikipedia:

  • Wikipedia is an online encyclopaedia.
  • Articles should be written from a neutral point of view.
  • Content is free for anyone to edit, use and distribute.
  • Editors should treat each other with respect and civility.
  • Wikipedia has no firm rules — use good judgement and contribute constructively.

When editing:

  • Be bold, but not reckless.
  • Write in a neutral style and use your own words.
  • Support information with reliable, published sources.
  • Follow Wikipedia’s Manual of Style guidelines.

Creating a new article

Before creating a page, make sure:

  • The topic meets Wikipedia’s notability standards.
  • You are not adding original research.
  • You avoid conflicts of interest when writing about topics connected to you or your organisation.
  • All information is verifiable using reliable sources, such as:
    • Academic publications
    • Books and reputable news sources
    • Trusted secondary sources

Avoid relying on:

  • Unverified claims
  • Personal opinions
  • Unreliable sources, such as tabloids

Writing about living people

Articles about living people require extra care. Make sure content follows Wikipedia’s three core content policies:

  • Neutral point of view — represent information fairly and without bias.
  • Verifiability — ensure claims can be supported by reliable sources.
  • No original research — do not include unpublished analysis or personal conclusions.

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