pds-starter-pack/custom-did-plc.md

# Setting up a custom did:plc

This guide will help you modify your did:plc so you can point it to a different PDS yourself without losing your identity! ✨

## Obtain secret keys

1. Generate [secret keys using boat](https://boat.kelinci.net/crypto-generate)

    <details>
    <summary>📸 Example image</summary>

    ![Image of using boat.kelinci.net to generate secret keys](/images/secret-keys.png)

    </details>
2. Store these keys in a safe location! (and don't share your private keys with anyone!)

## Add the new keys to your did:plc

1. Open the [PLC applicator](https://boat.kelinci.net/plc-applicator) in boat
2. Enter your handle and password

    <details>
    <summary>📸 Image</summary>

    ![Image of logging into boat.kelinci.net's PLC applicator](/images/apply_plc_login.png)

    </details>
3. Select "Append an operation"

    <details>
    <summary>📸 Image</summary>

    ![Image of selecting "Append an operation" into boat.kelinci.net's PLC applicator](/images/apply_plc_append.png)

    </details>

4. Add your new generated public key (did:key) to the top of the `rotationKeys` array (with a following comma)

    <details>
    <summary>See example payload</summary>

    ```json
    {
      "alsoKnownAs": [
        "at://placeholder.pds.witchcraft.systems"
      ],
      "rotationKeys": [
        "did:key:zQ3shcmcnHahf41czhQHUb4zCLDEaLyHznd1ENHmatUtw6vPn", // add your new public key (did:key) here
        "did:key:zQ3shuT9p9qxyXwJaUPsegQ5GCp7fxyLsjDKS5nybPXSohght" // your old did:key
      ],
      "services": {
        "atproto_pds": {
          "type": "AtprotoPersonalDataServer",
          "endpoint": "https://pds.witchcraft.systems"
        }
      },
      "verificationMethods": {
        "atproto": "did:key:zQ3shrEaHqBf3PtN8r3PksRCRNpiB92czfEZWZUt8DcjExLam"
      }
    }
    ```

    </details>

    <details>
    <summary>📸 Image</summary>

    ![Image of payload data in boat.kelinci.net's PLC applicator](/images/apply_plc_payload.png)

    </details>

5. Request a verification code and enter it below, then press next.

    </details>

    <details>
    <summary>📸 Image</summary>

    ![Image of entering a verification code in boat.kelinci.net's PLC applicator](/images/apply_plc_confirmation.png)

    </details>

    </details>

    <details>
    <summary>Not receiving the email?</summary>

    - Check your junk mail
    - Outlook emails don't seem to work, you can try Proton

    </details>

6. Your did:plc should be updated, which means you can point your did:plc to a different PDS by yourself while keeping your identity!

### See also

- [Identity - AT Protocol](https://atproto.com/guides/identity)
- [DID - AT Protocol](https://atproto.com/specs/did)
- [did-method-plc - GitHub](https://github.com/did-method-plc/did-method-plc)