OSgrid — Free OpenSimulator Grid (OpenSim) | Create, Explore, Host Regions
OSgrid New users help

Beginner Path

Your first steps on OSgrid: viewer setup, login URI, basics, help, and optional Hypergrid travel

CREATE AN ACCOUNT DOWNLOAD A VIEWER READ THE FAQ
Login URI: login.osgrid.org   .   HG Address: hg.osgrid.org:80/Lbsa Plaza
DESTINATIONS EVENTS MARKET DISCORD FORUMS DONATE
Start Start Here (No experience needed)

If you have never used a virtual world before, this page is your step-by-step path. You only need a computer, an internet connection, and about 10 minutes.

  • You do not need VR. Mouse and keyboard are enough.
  • You can't break anything. Worst case: you log out and try again.
  • Need a human? Use Discord or ask in-world when you arrive.
5-MIN CHECKLIST GET HELP GLOSSARY
No risk You Can't Break Anything

Don't worry: you cannot break OSgrid, your computer, or someone else�s work by mistake. This is a safe place to learn and explore.

  • If you click the wrong button, nothing serious happens.
  • If you get lost, you can teleport or simply log out.
  • If something looks suspicious, ignore it and ask for help.

Take your time. Try one thing at a time. You are doing fine.

Specs Before You Install (Quick PC Check)
  • Windows / macOS / Linux are supported depending on the viewer.
  • Internet: a stable connection is recommended (Wi-Fi is OK, wired is better).
  • Graphics: if it runs a modern 3D game, it usually runs OSgrid.
  • Performance tip: lower graphics settings first if you have lag.

If your first login feels slow, reduce draw distance and shadows in viewer graphics settings. This fixes most beginner �lag� issues.

Sparkles OSgrid in Plain Words

OSgrid is free to use and powered by OpenSimulator (OpenSim), an open-source virtual world platform. You connect using a viewer and appear as an avatar inside a shared 3D environment.

OSgrid is community-run and maintained by a solid team of passionate people. A lot of effort goes into keeping the grid stable and improving it continuously.

New here? Start small. Learn movement and chat. Then explore.

Globe What Is a Virtual World?

A virtual world is a shared 3D space where real people connect using a computer. You control an avatar (your digital character). You can walk, talk, explore, attend events, and meet others in real time.

  • Most people use mouse and keyboard, like a PC game.
  • The world is made of regions (places) created by users and communities.
  • You can keep your avatar, inventory, and favorites over time.
What to expect What It Feels Like (In Simple Words)

When you log in, you arrive in a 3D place. You see your avatar, buildings, landscapes, and sometimes other people nearby.

  • It feels a bit like a video game, but with real people.
  • You can walk, look around, and talk using text chat.
  • You don't need gaming skills to enjoy OSgrid.

Many users are not gamers at all and they do just fine.

Education Education, Universities, and Adult Learning (18+)

OSgrid is well suited for universities, schools, training centers, and adult education. It allows teachers and instructors to create immersive 3D learning environments where students can attend courses remotely from home.

  • Create virtual classrooms, campuses, labs, or meeting spaces.
  • Run live lessons, workshops, and presentations in real time.
  • Great for distance learning, blended learning, and international classes.
  • Students connect from home using a standard computer (no VR required).

If you represent an educational institution and want to explore OSgrid for teaching, you can contact the OSgrid admin team via the contact page. We will be happy to welcome you and answer your questions if the project fits our possibilities.

CONTACT THE TEAM
Business Companies and In-World Presence

OSgrid can also be used by companies and organizations wishing to create a virtual 3D presence inside a metaverse environment.

  • Build a virtual showroom or interactive exhibition space.
  • Organize presentations, meetings, or demonstrations in 3D.
  • Offer visitors an immersive way to discover your project or activity.
  • Suitable for communication, innovation, and experimentation.

Projects are discussed on a case-by-case basis. Companies can request information directly from the OSgrid administration team via the contact section.

BUSINESS CONTACT
Checklist Quick Checklist (5 minutes)
  • 1) Create your OSgrid account: REGISTER
  • 2) Install an OpenSim viewer (example: Firestorm OpenSim build).
  • 3) Add the grid login URI: login.osgrid.org
  • 4) Log in with your First Name, Last Name, and password.
  • 5) Learn basics: move, camera, chat, teleport.

If you are lost, follow the sections below in order. You can also ask for help on Discord.

Laptop Viewer Setup (Recommended path)

To connect to OSgrid, you need a viewer that supports OpenSim grids. If you're not sure, use the viewer list on our download page.

  • Step A: Download a viewer: DOWNLOAD VIEWERS
    Tip: choose the OpenSim build of your viewer.
  • Step B: Add OSgrid: open Preferences ? OpenSim / Grid Manager (menu name depends on the viewer).
  • Click Add Grid and paste: login.osgrid.org
  • Return to the login screen, select OSgrid, then log in.

Some viewers require a restart after adding a grid. If login fails, restart the viewer first.

No tech What You Do Not Need to Know
  • No programming.
  • No server knowledge.
  • No complicated configuration.
  • No VR headset.

If you can install a program and use a mouse, you already have the required skills.

Key First Login: What to Expect
  • Select the grid: OSgrid.
  • Enter your avatar First Name and Last Name exactly as registered.
  • Enter your password.
  • Click Log In.

If you see a blank world or things rez slowly, it�s normal on first login. Wait 10�30 seconds and reduce graphics if needed.

Normal Feeling Lost? That's Normal

Almost everyone feels lost during their first login. This is completely normal.

  • The camera can feel strange at first.
  • You may not know where to click.
  • You might not see everything immediately.

Take your time. Watch. Try one small thing at a time.

Warning Can't Log In? Quick Fixes
  • Wrong grid selected (most common): choose OSgrid on the login screen.
  • Login URI must be exactly: login.osgrid.org
  • Check spelling: First Name, Last Name, and password.
  • Restart the viewer after adding the grid.
  • Try another network if ports are blocked (home vs mobile hotspot).

Still stuck? Ask on Discord and include your viewer name and version, your OS, and the exact error message.

FAQ WIKI DISCORD
Rocket Your First 5 Minutes In-World
  • Move: WASD or arrow keys.
  • Run: hold Shift while moving (viewer dependent).
  • Fly: use the Fly button (or Home key on some viewers).
  • Camera: Alt + mouse (or use camera controls).
  • Chat: open Local Chat and say hello.
  • Teleport: use the World Map or the Destinations page.

Tip: exploring quietly is totally fine. You can watch and learn before talking.

DESTINATIONS MAP
Keyboard Useful Shortcuts (Beginner friendly)
  • Ctrl+P: Preferences.
  • Ctrl+I: Inventory.
  • Ctrl+M: Map or World Map.
  • Esc: close windows or cancel actions.

Shortcuts can differ by viewer, but these are common in many OpenSim viewers.

Toolbox Inventory and Avatar Basics
  • Inventory: your items (clothes, objects, landmarks, scripts).
  • Wear items: right-click and choose Wear or Add.
  • Landmarks: save places for fast teleport later.
  • Rez objects: drag from inventory to the ground (if the region allows it).

Pro tip: create a folder named Favorites for landmarks, outfits, and tools.

Build Building and Permissions (Important)
  • Many OSgrid regions are user-hosted with their own rules.
  • You can only rez and build where you have permission.
  • Respect region owners, themes, and performance limits.
  • If you host your own region, you control access and build rights.
HOST A REGION
Shield Safety Tips (Read this)
  • Never share your password. Staff will never ask for it.
  • Be careful with unknown objects and scripts in your inventory.
  • If someone harasses you, leave the region and ask for help.
  • Use common sense: if something looks suspicious, don�t click it.

OSgrid is community-run. Respect others, and you�ll have a good experience.

Globe Hypergrid Travel (Optional, explained simply)

Hypergrid lets you teleport to other compatible OpenSim grids using a special address. Think of it like visiting another server or world without creating a new account each time.

  • Typical HG format: grid.example.org:8002:RegionName
  • Popular OSgrid HG place: hg.osgrid.org:80/Lbsa Plaza

Beginner advice: ignore Hypergrid for your first day. Learn movement and chat first.

HG FAQ
History OSgrid: a Long-Standing 3D Metaverse

OSgrid is a 3D metaverse based on OpenSimulator and is one of the oldest and most established OpenSim grids still running today.

  • Online and evolving continuously since 2007.
  • Community-driven, non-commercial, and technically resilient.
  • Used by creators, educators, developers, and organizations worldwide.
  • A long history is a strong guarantee of seriousness and stability.

OSgrid is not a short-lived experiment. Its longevity demonstrates a strong commitment to the OpenSim ecosystem and ensures that the grid is here to stay.

If thousands of non-technical users managed to log in before you, you can too.

Chat Help: Fastest Ways
  • Discord: fastest human help for beginners.
  • Forums and Wiki: best for guides and troubleshooting.
  • In-world: ask politely in public areas (when available).
DISCORD FORUMS NEW USER INFO

When asking for help, share your viewer name and version, your operating system, and the exact error message.

Book Mini Glossary (Beginner translation)
  • Viewer: the app you install to enter OSgrid.
  • Avatar: your character in the world.
  • Region: a place or map area (like a zone).
  • Inventory: your items and folders.
  • Rez: to place an object on the ground.
  • Teleport: instant travel to another region.
  • Hypergrid (HG): travel between different OpenSim grids.