Getting started
Unestra Setup Guide
Everything you need to get your organization up and running — whether you choose cloud or desktop.
Cloud version — quick start
The cloud version runs entirely in your browser. There's nothing to install. You'll be fully operational within minutes of signing up.
Requirements
- Any modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
- Internet connection
- Email address for each user
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Create your account
Go to the Unestra portal and sign up with your email address. You'll be the organization owner/admin.
Sign up free -
Confirm your email
Check your inbox for a confirmation email from Unestra. Click the link to verify your address and activate your account. If you don't see it within a minute, check your spam folder.
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Set up your organization
After logging in, you'll walk through a short setup wizard. You'll enter:
- Organization name and type (PTA/PTO, church, union, or community organization)
- Primary contact information
- Fiscal year start month
- Default dues cycle (monthly, quarterly, annually)
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Choose your plan
Unestra Cloud has a plan for each organization type. You can change plans at any time.
PTA / PTO
$49/mo
- Unlimited members
- 10 administrative seats
- Elections & volunteer shifts
- Dues & fundraising
Community
$59/mo
- Unlimited members
- 10 administrative seats
- Campaigns & fundraising
- HOA requests, where enabled
Church
$79/mo
- Unlimited members
- 15 administrative seats
- Funds & recurring giving
- Pledges & statements
Union
$129/mo
- Unlimited members
- 15 administrative seats
- Case management
- Payroll-checkoff dues
Save the equivalent of one month with an annual plan. Pricing shown monthly — see full pricing for annual amounts.
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Invite your team
Go to Settings → Team Members and invite co-administrators, staff, or board members by email. Each invited user gets their own login — no shared passwords.
Role options: Admin (full access), Staff (manage members & events), Viewer (read-only reports). -
Import your existing members
Navigate to Members → Import. Download the CSV template, fill in your existing member data, and upload. Unestra maps common column names automatically.
Supported import columns: First name, Last name, Email, Phone, Address, Join date, Membership type, Dues amount, Notes.
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You're ready
Explore your dashboard. A few things to do first:
- Add or import members
- Set up your first dues cycle
- Create an upcoming event
- Run a membership report
- Connect your bank account for financial tracking
Desktop version — installation guide
The desktop version installs directly on your computer and runs on your local network. It works fully offline. No internet connection is required after activation.
System requirements
- Windows: Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
- macOS: macOS 12 Monterey or later, Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
- 4 GB RAM minimum, 8 GB recommended
- 500 MB free disk space
- Internet required only for initial license activation
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Download the installer
Download the Windows installer (.exe). The file is approximately 130 MB.
Download for Windows -
Run the installer
Double-click the downloaded .exe file to launch the installer. If Windows SmartScreen shows a warning, click More info then Run anyway.
Follow the installation wizard — choose your install directory, then click Install. A desktop shortcut is created automatically.
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Purchase a license (if you haven't already)
Unestra Desktop requires a license key. Each license includes 5 seats. Additional seats can be purchased separately.
Your license key will be emailed to you immediately after purchase.
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Activate your license
Launch Unestra. On the activation screen:
- Enter your license key (format: CF-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX)
- Enter the email address you used to purchase
- Click Activate
The app contacts the Unestra license server to validate your key. An internet connection is required for this step only.
You can also activate and manage licenses at api.civicflowapp.com/admin. -
Complete the setup wizard
After activation, the setup wizard guides you through:
- Organization name and type
- Admin account creation
- Fiscal year and dues settings
- Adding your first members
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Invite team members (multi-user setup)
Unestra Desktop supports up to 5 users on your local network (more with additional seats). To add another user:
- Go to Settings → Users
- Click Add user and assign a role
- The new user opens Unestra on their computer and points to your server's local IP address
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Download the installer
Download the macOS disk image (.dmg). The file is approximately 161 MB. This build is optimized for Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3).
Download for macOS (Apple Silicon) -
Open the DMG
Double-click the downloaded .dmg file to mount it. A Finder window will open showing the Unestra app icon.
Drag the Unestra icon into the Applications folder shortcut shown in the same window.
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First launch
Open Unestra from your Applications folder or Launchpad. Unestra for Mac is signed and notarized by APH Technologies, so it launches normally — no Gatekeeper warnings, no extra steps.
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Purchase a license (if you haven't already)
Unestra Desktop requires a license key. Each license includes 5 seats.
Purchase a license key →Your license key will be emailed to you immediately after purchase.
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Activate your license
On the Unestra activation screen:
- Enter your license key (format: CF-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX)
- Enter the email address used for purchase
- Click Activate
A brief internet connection is required for this step to reach the activation server.
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Complete the setup wizard
After activation, a setup wizard walks through your organization profile, admin account, and initial settings — same as the Windows version.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch between cloud and desktop?
Yes. Cloud and desktop are separate products with separate data stores. You can run both under the same organization — for example, using the desktop version in the office and cloud for remote board members.
How many users can I add?
Every Cloud plan includes unlimited members. Administrative seats — for officers, staff, and leaders who manage the organization — are included per plan (10 or 15, depending on your vertical); ordinary member access never consumes a seat. Desktop licenses include 5 seats with additional seats purchasable at $99 each (one-time).
Is my data backed up?
Cloud data is automatically backed up daily by Unestra. Desktop data is stored locally — you are responsible for backups. We recommend using the built-in export feature weekly and storing backups offsite.
Can I import data from another system?
Yes. Unestra accepts CSV imports for members, dues history, and transactions. Go to Settings → Import and download the template for the data type you need to import.
What happens if I lose my license key?
Your license key is included in your purchase confirmation email. You can also manage and view your license at api.civicflowapp.com/admin, or contact support.
Does the desktop version need internet?
Only for the initial license activation. Once activated, Unestra Desktop runs fully offline. No ongoing internet connection is required for day-to-day use.
Can I try before I buy?
Cloud plans offer a free trial — no credit card required. Desktop purchases are covered by a 30-day refund policy; contact support within 30 days of purchase if Unestra doesn't meet your needs.
What is the annual discount?
Annual billing saves the equivalent of one month compared to monthly billing, on every plan — see full pricing for the exact annual amount and savings for your organization's vertical.
Still need help?
Our team is here for you. Reach out and we'll get back to you within one business day.