# Getting started with CloudFormation
<a name="GettingStarted"></a>

You can begin using CloudFormation through the AWS Management Console by creating a stack from an example template, which will help you learn the basics of stack creation. A *template* is a text file that defines all the resources within a stack. A *stack* is the deployment of a CloudFormation template. From a single template, you can create multiple stacks. Each stack contains a collection of AWS resources that can be managed as a single unit.

CloudFormation is a free service; however, you are charged for the AWS resources you include in your stacks at the current rates for each. For more information about AWS pricing, go to the detail page for each product on [http://aws.amazon.com](http://aws.amazon.com).

**Video: Getting started with CloudFormation**  
The following video is an introduction to creating CloudFormation stacks from the AWS Management Console.

[![AWS Videos](http://img.youtube.com/vi/https://www.youtube.com/embed/1h-GPXQrLZw?si=MYHlJvBkE3DspKcL/0.jpg)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=https://www.youtube.com/embed/1h-GPXQrLZw?si=MYHlJvBkE3DspKcL)


**Topics**
+ [How CloudFormation works](cloudformation-overview.md)
+ [Signing up for an AWS account](cfn-sign-up-for-aws.md)
+ [Creating your first stack](gettingstarted.walkthrough.md)