> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://eth-limo.gitbook.io/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://eth-limo.gitbook.io/documentation/beginner/how-to-use-ipfs-ipns/uploading-to-ipfs/self-hosting-instructions-for-ipfs-and-ipns.md).
# Self-Hosting Instructions for IPFS and IPNS
#### Add your site
The next step is to import your site into IPFS using the IPFS desktop app you just installed.\
\
The website we'll be using is incredibly simple. The purpose of it is to display a simple clock as a webpage.\
\
This code will display a simple clock that updates every second, showing the current time in hours, minutes, and seconds.
1. Create a file called `index.html` and paste in the following code:\\
```
Simple Clock
```
2. Open IPFS desktop and go to the **Files** page.
3. Click **Add** → **File**.
4. Navigate to your `index.html` file and select **Open**.
5. Click the triple dot menu on `index.html` and select **Share link**.
6. Click **Copy** to copy the file's URL to your clipboard.
7. Open a browser and paste in the URL you just copied.
Your browser should load the website in a few moments! This can take up to a few minutes the first time. You can move onto the next section while the site is loading.
### [#](https://docs.ipfs.tech/how-to/websites-on-ipfs/single-page-website/#pinning-files)Pinning files
IPFS nodes treat the data they store like a cache, meaning that there is no guarantee the data will continue to be stored. *Pinning* a file tells an IPFS node to treat the data as essential and not throw it away. You should *pin* any content you consider important to ensure that data is retained over the long term. IPFS Desktop allows you to pin files straight from the *Files* tab.
However, if you want your IPFS data to remain accessible when your local IPFS node goes offline, you might want to use another option like a *pinning service*.
---
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