# Getting Started with ACE
Source: https://docs.chain.link/ace/getting-started
Last Updated: 2026-04-15

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt).

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ACE offers three managers. Choose the path that matches what you need to do:

| Manager               | What it does                                                                                                                                       | Get started                                                                                                         |
| --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Policy Manager**    | Attach and configure compliance policies on smart contracts — volume limits, allowlists, RBAC, identity-based checks, and more                     | [Policy Manager Quick Start](/ace/getting-started/policy-manager)                                                   |
| **Identity Manager**  | Manage identity registries, register cross-chain identities (CCIDs), and issue credentials such as Proof of Identity or accreditation attestations | [Identity Manager Quick Start](/ace/getting-started/identity-manager)                                               |
| **Reporting Manager** | Query on-chain transaction history, policy configurations, and identity states via a read-only API for compliance verification                     | [Reporting concepts](/ace/concepts/reporting) — <a href="/api/ace/reporting/docs" target="_blank">API Reference</a> |

### Shared first step

All three managers require **account setup** first — creating your organization, sharing your Org ID for enablement, generating an API key, and setting up [CRE Connect Wallets](/ace/concepts/key-terms#cre-connect-wallet):

- [Account Setup](/ace/getting-started/account-setup) — the four steps every ACE user completes before using any manager

### Not sure which Manager you need?

- If you are a **token issuer or protocol team** deciding which compliance rules to enforce, start with the [Policy Manager Quick Start](/ace/getting-started/policy-manager).
- If you are an **identity provider (IDV)** or **credential issuer**, or **sanctions data provider** supplying data for others to consume, start with the [Identity Manager Quick Start](/ace/getting-started/identity-manager).
- Many organizations use **both managers**. Start with whichever is most relevant to your first use case — the guides cross-reference each other where the workflows intersect.

### Background reading

Before diving in, these pages provide essential context:

- [Signing & Ownership Model](/ace/concepts/signing-ownership) — how ACE manages keys and the delegated and self-signing models
- [ACE Architecture](/ace/concepts/architecture) — system components and how they connect
- [Key Terms](/ace/concepts/key-terms) — ACE-specific terminology
- [Beta Scope](/ace/beta-scope) — what is and is not available during the Beta program