# Profile Management Guide

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  <img src="../logos/rustelo_dev-logo-h.svg" alt="RUSTELO" width="300" />
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Welcome to the[Rustelo](/) Profile Management Guide! This comprehensive guide will help you customize your profile, manage your account settings, and make the most of your Rustelo experience.

## 🎯 Overview

Your profile is your digital identity in Rustelo. It's how other users see you, how you represent yourself, and how you control your account settings. This guide covers everything from basic profile setup to advanced privacy controls.

## 👤 Profile Basics

### Accessing Your Profile

#### From the Navigation Bar
1. Click your **profile picture** or **username** in the top right
2. Select **"View Profile"** from the dropdown
3. Or click **"Edit Profile"** to make changes

#### Quick Access Methods
- **Keyboard Shortcut**: `Ctrl+P` (or `Cmd+P` on Mac)
- **Mobile**: Tap the profile icon in the bottom navigation
- **URL**: Visit `/profile` directly

### Profile Overview

Your profile displays key information about you:

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [🖼️ Cover Photo]                                           │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ [👤] John Doe                                    [Edit]     │
│      @johndoe                                               │
│      📧 john.doe@example.com                               │
│      📅 Joined January 2024                                │
│      📍 San Francisco, CA                                   │
│      🌐 https://johndoe.com                                 │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ "Full-stack developer passionate about building great      │
│  user experiences with modern web technologies."            │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ [📊 Activity] [📝 Content] [⚙️ Settings]                    │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

## 🖼️ Profile Picture & Cover Photo

### Profile Picture

#### Uploading a Profile Picture
1. Go to **Edit Profile**
2. Click on your current profile picture
3. Select **"Upload New Photo"**
4. Choose an image from your device
5. Crop and adjust as needed
6. Click **"Save"**

#### Profile Picture Requirements
- **File Types**: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
- **Size Limit**: 5MB maximum
- **Dimensions**: Square images work best (1:1 ratio)
- **Recommended**: 400x400 pixels or higher
- **Quality**: High-resolution images for best display

#### Profile Picture Tips
- **Professional Look**: Use a clear, well-lit photo
- **Brand Consistency**: Match your other social profiles
- **Face Visibility**: Ensure your face is clearly visible
- **Avoid Clutter**: Simple backgrounds work best
- **Update Regularly**: Keep your photo current

### Cover Photo

#### Adding a Cover Photo
1. Go to **Edit Profile**
2. Click **"Add Cover Photo"** or hover over existing cover
3. Select **"Upload New Cover"**
4. Choose an image from your device
5. Position and crop as needed
6. Click **"Save"**

#### Cover Photo Requirements
- **File Types**: JPG, PNG, WebP
- **Size Limit**: 10MB maximum
- **Dimensions**: 1200x400 pixels (3:1 ratio)
- **Quality**: High-resolution for crisp display

#### Cover Photo Ideas
- **Workspace**: Your desk or work environment
- **Hobby**: Something that represents your interests
- **Landscape**: A favorite place or view
- **Abstract**: Patterns or designs that reflect your style
- **Professional**: Related to your industry or expertise

## ✏️ Basic Information

### Personal Details

#### Full Name
- **Display Name**: How others see you
- **Professional Use**: Consider using your real name
- **Creative Use**: Stage names or handles are fine
- **Changes**: Can be updated anytime
- **Visibility**: Always visible to other users

#### Username
- **Unique Identifier**: Must be unique across the platform
- **URL Component**: Used in your profile URL
- **Mentions**: How others can tag you
- **Permanent**: Cannot be changed after registration
- **Format**: Letters, numbers, and underscores only

#### Email Address
- **Primary Contact**: Used for all communications
- **Login Method**: How you sign into your account
- **Verification**: Must be verified to change
- **Privacy**: Can be hidden from public view
- **Backup**: Keep access to this email address

### Contact Information

#### Website/Portfolio
- **Personal Site**: Your blog or personal website
- **Portfolio**: Showcase your work
- **Company**: Your business website
- **Social Media**: Link to your main social profile
- **Format**: Must start with https://

#### Location
- **City/State**: Where you're based
- **Country**: Your country of residence
- **Privacy**: Can be hidden from public view
- **Networking**: Helps connect with local users
- **Optional**: Not required to fill out

#### Bio/About Section
- **Description**: Tell others about yourself
- **Length**: Up to 500 characters
- **Formatting**: Markdown supported
- **Keywords**: Include relevant terms for discoverability
- **Personality**: Let your personality shine through

### Bio Writing Tips

#### Effective Bio Examples

**Professional Bio:**
```
Full-stack developer with 5+ years building scalable web applications. 
Passionate about React, Node.js, and cloud architecture. 
Currently working on developer tools at @TechCorp.

🔧 JavaScript, Python, AWS
🎯 Open to consulting opportunities
📍 San Francisco, CA
```

**Creative Bio:**
```
Digital artist exploring the intersection of technology and creativity.
Creating NFTs, generative art, and interactive installations.

🎨 Currently: AI-assisted art project
✨ Tools: Processing, p5.js, Blender
🌍 Based in Berlin, traveling the world
```

**Casual Bio:**
```
Coffee enthusiast ☕ Dog parent 🐕 Weekend hiker 🥾

Sharing my journey learning web development and building cool stuff.
Always up for a chat about tech, coffee, or outdoor adventures!
```

## 🎨 Customization Options

### Profile Theme

#### Theme Selection
1. Go to **Profile Settings** > **Appearance**
2. Choose from available themes:
   - **Light**: Clean, professional look
   - **Dark**: Modern, easy on the eyes
   - **Auto**: Matches system preference
   - **Custom**: Create your own color scheme

#### Color Customization
- **Primary Color**: Main accent color
- **Secondary Color**: Supporting elements
- **Background**: Profile background color
- **Text**: Primary text color
- **Links**: Color for clickable elements

### Layout Options

#### Profile Layout Styles
- **Standard**: Traditional profile layout
- **Compact**: Minimalist, space-efficient
- **Showcase**: Emphasizes your content
- **Business**: Professional, corporate look
- **Creative**: Artistic, expressive design

#### Content Organization
- **Sections**: Choose which sections to display
- **Order**: Arrange sections in preferred order
- **Visibility**: Show/hide specific information
- **Highlights**: Feature your best content

## 🔒 Privacy Settings

### Profile Visibility

#### Public Profile
- **Visible to Everyone**: Anyone can view your profile
- **Search Engine**: May appear in search results
- **Discoverability**: Easier for others to find you
- **Networking**: Best for professional networking

#### Private Profile
- **Registered Users Only**: Only logged-in users can view
- **No Search Results**: Won't appear in public searches
- **Controlled Access**: More privacy control
- **Selective Sharing**: Share profile link manually

#### Friends/Connections Only
- **Restricted Access**: Only your connections can view
- **Maximum Privacy**: Highest level of privacy
- **Limited Discoverability**: Harder for others to find
- **Invitation Only**: Others must request access

### Information Visibility

#### Contact Information
- **Email Address**: Show/hide from public view
- **Phone Number**: Display preferences
- **Website**: Always visible when provided
- **Location**: Show/hide location information
- **Social Links**: Control which links are visible

#### Activity Information
- **Last Seen**: Show when you were last active
- **Online Status**: Display when you're currently online
- **Activity Feed**: Show your recent actions
- **Content Stats**: Display content metrics

### Privacy Controls

#### Who Can Contact You
- **Anyone**: All users can send messages
- **Connections Only**: Only your connections
- **No One**: Disable direct messaging
- **Filtered**: Messages go to filtered folder

#### Who Can Find You
- **Search**: Appear in user searches
- **Suggestions**: Appear in "people you may know"
- **Email**: Allow finding by email address
- **Import**: Allow import from address books

## 🔔 Notification Preferences

### Email Notifications

#### Account Activity
- **Login Alerts**: New device logins
- **Security Changes**: Password/2FA changes
- **Account Updates**: Important account notices
- **Policy Updates**: Terms of service changes

#### Content Notifications
- **New Comments**: Comments on your content
- **Likes/Reactions**: Engagement on your posts
- **Mentions**: When someone mentions you
- **Shares**: When someone shares your content

#### System Notifications
- **Maintenance**: Scheduled system maintenance
- **Feature Updates**: New features and improvements
- **Newsletter**: Product updates and tips
- **Promotional**: Special offers and events

### In-App Notifications

#### Real-time Alerts
- **Instant Notifications**: Immediate alerts
- **Sound**: Audio notification preferences
- **Badge**: Show notification count
- **Popup**: Display notification popup

#### Notification Types
- **Messages**: Direct messages from other users
- **Activity**: Likes, comments, and shares
- **System**: Important system messages
- **Reminders**: Scheduled reminders and tasks

### Notification Timing

#### Frequency Settings
- **Immediate**: Get notified right away
- **Hourly**: Batched hourly summaries
- **Daily**: Daily digest emails
- **Weekly**: Weekly summary reports
- **Never**: Turn off specific notifications

#### Quiet Hours
- **Do Not Disturb**: Set quiet hours
- **Time Zone**: Respect your local time
- **Weekend Mode**: Different weekend settings
- **Vacation Mode**: Pause notifications temporarily

## 🏆 Profile Stats & Analytics

### Activity Overview

#### Content Metrics
- **Posts Created**: Total number of posts
- **Comments Made**: Your comment activity
- **Likes Given**: How many likes you've given
- **Shares Made**: Content you've shared
- **Profile Views**: How many times your profile was viewed

#### Engagement Stats
- **Followers**: People following your content
- **Following**: People you follow
- **Connections**: Mutual connections
- **Engagement Rate**: How much others interact with your content

### Growth Tracking

#### Monthly Reports
- **Activity Summary**: Monthly activity overview
- **Growth Trends**: How your metrics are changing
- **Popular Content**: Your most successful posts
- **Audience Insights**: Who's engaging with your content

#### Goal Setting
- **Content Goals**: Set posting frequency targets
- **Engagement Goals**: Target engagement metrics
- **Growth Goals**: Follower/connection targets
- **Progress Tracking**: Monitor goal achievement

## 🔗 Social Connections

### Adding Social Links

#### Supported Platforms
- **LinkedIn**: Professional networking
- **Twitter**: Microblogging platform
- **GitHub**: Code repositories
- **Instagram**: Photo and video sharing
- **Facebook**: Social networking
- **YouTube**: Video content
- **Personal Website**: Your own site
- **Portfolio**: Online portfolio

#### Link Verification
- **Verified Links**: Prove you own the account
- **Trust Indicators**: Show verified status
- **Click Tracking**: Monitor link clicks
- **Link Preview**: Show content previews

### Managing Connections

#### Connection Types
- **Followers**: People who follow your content
- **Following**: People whose content you follow
- **Mutual Friends**: People you both follow
- **Blocked Users**: Users you've blocked
- **Pending Requests**: Connection requests awaiting approval

#### Connection Management
- **Accept/Decline**: Manage connection requests
- **Unfollow**: Stop following someone
- **Block**: Prevent someone from contacting you
- **Report**: Report inappropriate behavior

## 📊 Account Management

### Data & Privacy

#### Data Export
- **Download Data**: Export your account data
- **Content Archive**: Download all your content
- **Settings Backup**: Export your settings
- **Privacy Report**: See what data is collected

#### Data Deletion
- **Delete Content**: Remove specific content
- **Clear History**: Delete activity history
- **Account Deletion**: Permanently delete account
- **Data Retention**: How long data is kept

### Account Status

#### Account Types
- **Free Account**: Basic features included
- **Premium Account**: Advanced features
- **Business Account**: Professional tools
- **Developer Account**: API access

#### Subscription Management
- **Current Plan**: Your active subscription
- **Billing History**: Payment records
- **Upgrade Options**: Available plan upgrades
- **Cancellation**: How to cancel subscription

## 🛠️ Profile Maintenance

### Regular Updates

#### Monthly Tasks
- **Profile Picture**: Update if needed
- **Bio**: Keep information current
- **Contact Info**: Verify accuracy
- **Privacy Settings**: Review and adjust
- **Notification Preferences**: Update as needed

#### Quarterly Tasks
- **Security Review**: Check login activity
- **Connection Audit**: Review your connections
- **Content Review**: Clean up old content
- **Goal Assessment**: Review and adjust goals

### Profile Optimization

#### Discoverability
- **Complete Profile**: Fill out all sections
- **Keywords**: Use relevant keywords in bio
- **Regular Activity**: Stay active on the platform
- **Quality Content**: Share valuable content
- **Engagement**: Interact with others

#### Professional Branding
- **Consistent Imagery**: Use consistent colors/style
- **Professional Photo**: High-quality profile picture
- **Clear Value Proposition**: Communicate what you do
- **Contact Information**: Make it easy to reach you
- **Portfolio Links**: Showcase your work

## 🔍 Troubleshooting Profile Issues

### Common Problems

#### Profile Not Updating
**Issue**: Changes aren't saving
**Solutions**:
1. Check internet connection
2. Try refreshing the page
3. Clear browser cache
4. Disable browser extensions
5. Try a different browser

#### Image Upload Issues
**Issue**: Can't upload profile picture
**Solutions**:
1. Check file size (under 5MB)
2. Use supported format (JPG, PNG, GIF)
3. Try different image
4. Check browser permissions
5. Clear browser cache

#### Privacy Settings Not Working
**Issue**: Profile still visible when set to private
**Solutions**:
1. Wait 24 hours for changes to take effect
2. Clear browser cache
3. Check all privacy settings
4. Contact support if issue persists

### Getting Help

#### Self-Service
- **Help Center**: Search for solutions
- **FAQ**: Common questions answered
- **Video Tutorials**: Step-by-step guides
- **Community Forum**: Ask other users

#### Contact Support
- **Email Support**: Send detailed description
- **Live Chat**: Real-time assistance
- **Phone Support**: For urgent issues
- **Bug Reports**: Report technical issues

## 🎯 Profile Best Practices

### For Personal Use

#### Building Your Online Presence
1. **Complete Your Profile**: Fill out all sections
2. **Professional Photo**: Use a clear, current photo
3. **Engaging Bio**: Tell your story concisely
4. **Regular Updates**: Keep information current
5. **Consistent Branding**: Use consistent style

#### Privacy Considerations
1. **Review Settings**: Check privacy settings monthly
2. **Limit Personal Info**: Don't overshare
3. **Secure Account**: Use strong password and 2FA
4. **Monitor Activity**: Check login history regularly
5. **Trust Carefully**: Be selective with connections

### For Business Use

#### Professional Profile Setup
1. **Brand Consistency**: Match your company branding
2. **Clear Value Proposition**: Communicate what you offer
3. **Contact Information**: Make it easy to reach you
4. **Portfolio Links**: Showcase your work
5. **Regular Content**: Share valuable insights

#### Networking Strategy
1. **Strategic Connections**: Connect with industry professionals
2. **Thought Leadership**: Share expertise and insights
3. **Engagement**: Actively participate in discussions
4. **Content Quality**: Share high-quality, relevant content
5. **Consistency**: Maintain regular activity

### For Creative Use

#### Showcasing Your Work
1. **Visual Profile**: Use high-quality images
2. **Portfolio Integration**: Link to your best work
3. **Creative Bio**: Let your personality shine
4. **Regular Updates**: Share work in progress
5. **Community Engagement**: Connect with other creators

## 📚 Next Steps

Now that you understand profile management, explore:

1. **[User Interface Guide](./interface.md)** - Navigate the application
2. **[Content Management](./content.md)** - Create and manage content
3. **[Media Management](./media.md)** - Handle files and images
4. **[Authentication Guide](./authentication.md)** - Secure your account
5. **[Features Overview](./features/)** - Discover all features

## 🎉 Conclusion

Your profile is your digital identity on Rustelo. By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, you'll have a professional, secure, and engaging profile that represents you well.

Remember to:
- Keep your information current and accurate
- Regularly review your privacy settings
- Use high-quality images and engaging content
- Stay active and engaged with the community
- Maintain consistency across all your online presence

**Make your profile work for you!** 🌟✨