---
# System prepended metadata

title: Mastodon - Server Settings

---

# Mastodon - Server Settings

The following server settings can be customized.

## Branding

Your server's branding differentiates it from other servers in the network. This information may be displayed across a variety of environments, such as Mastodon's web interface, native applications, in link previews on other websites and within messaging apps, and so on. For this reason, it is best to keep this information clear, short and concise.

### Server name

_How people may refer to your server besides its domain name._

### Contact username

_How people can reach you on Mastodon._

### Contact e-mail

_How people can reach you for legal or support inquiries._

### Server description

_A short description to help uniquely identify your server. Who is running it, who is it for?_

### Server thumbnail

_A roughly 2:1 image displayed alongside your server information._

## About

Provide in-depth information about how the server is operated, moderated, funded.

### Extended description

_Any additional information that may be useful to visitors and your users. Can be structured with Markdown syntax._

### Privacy Policy

_Use your own privacy policy or leave blank to use the default. Can be structured with Markdown syntax._

## Registrations

Control who can create an account on your server.

### Who can sign-up

- [ ] Anyone can sign up
- [ ] Approval required for sign up
- [x] Nobody can sign up

### Custom message when sign-ups are not available

_Displayed when sign-ups are closed_

## Appearance

### Default theme

- [x] Mastodon (Dark)
- [ ] Mastodon (High contrast)
- [ ] Mastodon (Light)