# Create or import

Create a sandbox from a template, import an existing project, or fork another sandbox.

## Start from a template

Select **Create notebook**, open **Templates**, and choose a framework such as Laravel. A template provides the starting files and project setup expected by that framework.

After creation, wait for preparation to complete before running commands or opening the preview.

## Import a GitHub repository

Select **Create notebook**, open **GitHub**, and choose a repository from your connected GitHub account or paste its URL. Private repositories require permission to read the selected repository.

PHPSandbox detects a suitable template, which you can change before creating the sandbox. After import, review the project's setup instructions and configure the environment values it requires.

## Upload a ZIP archive

Open **Zip file** when the project is not available through GitHub. The ZIP must be no larger than 10 MB and contain `composer.json` at its root.

Do not include secrets, local caches, `vendor`, or `node_modules`.

## Fork an existing sandbox

Forking creates an independent sandbox from an existing one. Use it to experiment without modifying the original or to turn a shared example into your own workspace.

The fork has its own lifecycle and can be edited, stopped, restarted, or deleted independently.