# Getting Started (UI v2)

Welcome to the USDFC stablecoin protocol! This section provides step-by-step guides to help you start using USDFC, a dollar-pegged stablecoin backed by Filecoin (FIL) collateral. Whether you're new to DeFi or an experienced user, these guides will walk you through the essential operations of the USDFC protocol.

USDFC allows you to unlock the value of your FIL holdings while maintaining exposure to FIL's potential price appreciation. By depositing FIL as collateral in a Trove, you can mint USDFC stablecoins and use them across the DeFi ecosystem.

## What You'll Learn

* How to create a Trove and deposit FIL collateral
* How to mint USDFC stablecoins against your collateral
* How to manage your collateral ratio to avoid liquidation
* How to monitor your position's health
* How to participate in the Stability Pool to earn rewards
* How to redeem USDFC for FIL under low liquidity conditions

## Key Components

<figure><img src="https://github.com/Secured-Finance/secured-finance-docs/blob/main/usdfc-stablecoin/.gitbook/assets/MintUSDFCforGIF2-ezgif.com-video-to-gif-converter.gif" alt=""><figcaption><p>Overview of the USDFC protocol workflow</p></figcaption></figure>

### Core Operations

| Operation            | Description                                    | Guide                                                                                                                            |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Creating a Trove     | Set up your collateralized debt position       | [Creating Your First Trove](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/getting-started/creating-your-first-trove)             |
| Minting USDFC        | Generate stablecoins against your collateral   | [Minting USDFC Step-by-Step](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/getting-started/minting-usdfc-step-by-step)           |
| Managing Collateral  | Add or withdraw collateral to adjust risk      | [Managing Collateral Effectively](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/getting-started/managing-collateral-effectively) |
| Monitoring Position  | Track your Trove's health and liquidation risk | [Monitoring Your Position](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/getting-started/monitoring-your-position)               |
| Using Stability Pool | Earn rewards by helping secure the protocol    | [Using the Stability Pool](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/getting-started/using-the-stability-pool)               |
| Redeeming USDFC      | Exchange USDFC for FIL at face value           | [Redeeming USDFC](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/getting-started/redeeming-usdfc)                                 |

### What You Can Do With USDFC

After minting USDFC, you have several options to put your stablecoins to work:

1. **Deposit into the Stability Pool** - Earn liquidated FIL at a discount while helping secure the protocol
2. **Provide Liquidity on DEXs** - Pair USDFC with FIL on SushiSwap to earn trading fees
3. **Lend in Fixed-Income Markets** - Earn interest by lending USDFC in Secured Finance's [Fixed Income Market](https://app.secured.finance/)
4. **Bridge to Other Chains** - Use the [bridge and swap](https://usdfc.secured.finance/#/bridge) functionality to move USDFC to other blockchains

## Testnet Resources

If you want to try USDFC on testnet first:

* Access the [getting-test-usdfc-on-testnet](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/getting-started/getting-test-usdfc-on-testnet "mention")
* Get testnet tFIL from the [Calibration Faucet](https://faucet.calibnet.chainsafe-fil.io/)
* Watch the [Demo from FIL Dev Summit 2024](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOnCu4HZnXg\&list=PL_0VrY55uV1__uv3uOvZ3L6exG9y10lSy\&index=13)

## Related Resources

* [USDFC Overview](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/overview)
* [Core Mechanics](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/core-mechanics)
* [Advanced Topics](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/advanced-topics)
* [FAQs](https://docs.secured.finance/usdfc-stablecoin/faqs)
* [Fixed-Rate Lending](https://docs.secured.finance/fixed-rate-lending/overview)