Getting started

Apply for a space

Ask for a space of your own in three short steps; your answers decide what the space is switched on with.

Who can use it

Anyone. No account is needed.

Where it is

Sign-in page: New to Biddable?, Sign up

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

Sign up sends an application for a space. It creates nothing by itself: each application is read and answered by email, usually within two working days. Your answers decide how the space is set up when it is approved, for example whether your bids name people and CVs, whether meetings can be recorded and what each build writes.

Step by step

1. On the sign-in page, under New to Biddable?, press Sign up. You can also apply on the website at biddable.ae/apply.
2. About you: fill in Your name, Company and Work email. Your role (optional) can stay empty. Press Continue.
3. Your firm: under You bid for, choose everything that applies (if you choose Other, say what in Other: what?). Add your Sector if you like, choose a Company size and press Continue.
4. How you bid: answer whether the tenders you bid for ask for named people, CVs or day rates. If yes, say whether you want roles matched against your own people. Then answer the questions on the inbox, recording meetings, the evaluator review, what each build should write, and how the submission pack should be prepared. Anything else? (optional) is for a note.
5. Press Send my application. Back takes you to the step before without losing your answers.

What you see

• A line over the form: "Step 1 of 3 · About you", then "Your firm" and "How you bid", with a bar that fills as you go.
• If something is missing, a line in red says what, for example "Tell us your name and your company." or "Choose your company size."
• Once sent: Application received. and a note that we reply by email.
• When the space is approved, the person who applied gets the set-up email (see The set-up email and activating a pilot space).

Good to know

• For a freelancer or a small or medium firm the inbox is included; a large firm is asked whether it wants one.
• "When we build a bid, what should we write?" is either the technical proposal and the commercial side together (recommended), or the technical proposal only, for a firm that prices its own bids.
• "How would you like the submission pack prepared?" is exactly as each tender asks (recommended), your house format, or something else in a few words. Where a tender's own instructions differ from your house format, the tender's instructions win.
• The same address can send at most three applications a day.
• In the phone, tablet and desktop app a line above the form says whether free pilot places are open and how many are left. Nothing is paid during the pilot.
• Your answers can be changed after approval: see Changing your rules.

Common questions

I applied but heard nothing.

Replies usually take up to two working days. Check the junk folder for mail from Biddable. If nothing has come, write to hello@biddable.ae.

Can a freelance bid writer apply?

Yes. Choose Freelancer or sole trader as the company size and give your trading name as the company. A writer who bids for several clients can have one space per client.

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The set-up email and activating a pilot space

When your space is approved you get one email with one button that opens your guided set-up.

Who can use it

The person who applied, as the space's first owner

Where it is

Email: Set up your Biddable space

In

A page or email outside the app

What it does

When your application is approved, your space is made and its first owner gets one email: Set up your Biddable space. Its button opens the guided set-up page, where you upload what you have, create your sign-in and check what was read. The link is for you alone and proves your email address, so the set-up asks for no code.

Step by step

1. Open the email Set up your Biddable space.
2. Press the button (Set up followed by your firm's name, or Set up your space).
3. The set-up page opens at step 1. Carry on with Set-up: upload what you already have.
4. If you stop part-way, open the same link again and it carries on where you were, until your sign-in exists (see Finish set-up from the app).

What you see

• The email says the set-up takes about ten minutes, in three short steps, and that you can stop part-way and come back to the same link.
• For a pilot space, a paragraph near the top gives the date and time to activate it by (Dubai time, UTC+4).
• An old or replaced link opens a page that says "This link has expired" or "This link has been replaced", with what to do.

Good to know

• The link works for 14 days. It must not be forwarded.
• Pilot spaces must be activated within 48 hours. Activating means signing in once, or creating your sign-in on the set-up page. 12 hours before the deadline, if it is still not activated, a reminder comes with a fresh link: the older link then stops working, and your uploads and answers are kept. A pilot space that is not activated in time is deleted with everything in it, and the place goes to the next firm.
• A resent link replaces the old one; the newest email is always the one to use.
• Some spaces are opened with a plain welcome email instead, Your Biddable space is ready, whose button opens the sign-in page with your address filled in. You then sign in with an emailed code (see Sign in with an emailed code).

Common questions

I did not get the email.

Check the address the application was made with, and the junk folder. If it is not there, write to hello@biddable.ae and we will send it again.

The link says it has expired.

Ask your Biddable contact for a new one (hello@biddable.ae). Your uploads and answers so far are kept.

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Set-up: upload what you already have

Give the set-up your firm's existing documents, as files or one zip, so it can fill in your rules for you.

Who can use it

The new owner, from the set-up email's link

Where it is

Set-up page, step 1, Upload what you have: Choose files or a zip, Continue

In

A page or email outside the app

What it does

Step 1 of the guided set-up takes the documents your firm already has. Biddable reads them while you create your sign-in, and fills in as much of your set-up as they support, so you only check it afterwards. Nothing is shared outside your space.

Step by step

1. Open the set-up email's link. Step 1, Upload what you already have, is open.
2. Press Choose files or a zip, or drop files on the box. You can add files one at a time or one zip with everything in it.
3. Add more if you like. Remove beside a file takes it off the list.
4. Press Continue. If you added nothing, the button reads Continue without documents and the page asks you to confirm.

What you see

• Tags showing what helps most: Company profile, Past bids, Templates, Logo, CVs, Policies, Certificates.
• Each file listed with its size and Remove.
• "Uploading…", then "Added.", or "Not kept:" with each file left out and why (for example, a file type that cannot be read, or one over the size limit).
• After Continue, step 2 opens with "Reading your documents… usually 3 to 5 minutes. Create your sign-in meanwhile."

Good to know

• What helps most: a company profile, two or three past bids or tenders, your proposal and CV templates, your logo, a few CVs, your bid or pricing policy, and certificates.
• Word, PDF, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and PowerPoint templates, images and fonts are read, as files or inside a zip.
• Up to 60 files on this page, counting the files inside a zip, and up to 25 MB each.
• Once you press Continue the list is fixed. You can add more documents later from your space.
• In the phone, tablet and desktop app the same step has Choose files or a zip and Continue; it does not ask you to confirm an empty upload.

Common questions

Can I continue without uploading anything?

Yes. Your space then starts on neutral settings, and there is little to check at step 3. You can add documents later.

I uploaded the wrong file.

Press Remove beside it before you press Continue. After that, tell your Biddable contact.

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Set-up: create your sign-in

Make the sign-in you will use for your space, a passkey or a password and an authenticator app, while your documents are read.

Who can use it

The new owner, from the set-up email's link

Where it is

Set-up page, step 2, Create your sign-in

In

A page or email outside the app

What it does

Step 2 makes your sign-in. The link you opened has already proved your email address, so there is no code to type. You choose a passkey on this device, which is both steps of signing in at once, or a password and an authenticator app.

Step by step

1. Choose Use Touch ID, Face ID or Windows Hello for a passkey, and follow your device's prompt. That is all.
2. Or choose Use a password and an authenticator app instead:
3. Type a Password and the same again in Confirm password (Show shows them), then press Save and continue.
4. Scan the QR code with your authenticator app, or type the key shown under "Cannot scan? Enter this key in the app instead".
5. Type The six-digit code the app shows now and press Confirm.
6. Your recovery codes appear next (see Set-up: save your recovery codes).

What you see

• While your documents are read, a line at the top: "Reading your documents… usually 3 to 5 minutes. Create your sign-in meanwhile."
• Where this browser cannot make a passkey: "Passkeys are not available in this browser or on this address, so use a password and an authenticator app." On a device without a built-in passkey the choice reads Use a passkey or security key.
• Errors in red, for example "Use at least 12 characters.", "The two passwords do not match." or "Enter the six digits the app shows."

Good to know

• Passwords are at least 12 characters.
• A passkey belongs to the web address it was made on. The phone, tablet and desktop app cannot use passkeys yet: if you choose a passkey and want the app as well, add an authenticator app under Account, Security once you are in.
• In the phone, tablet and desktop app this step is the password and authenticator app only.
• Once your sign-in exists, the set-up link alone opens nothing more: you carry on signed in, in this browser, or by signing in again.
• If you already have a Biddable sign-in (you are setting up a second space), this step makes no new one: it says Sign in to carry on. Sign in as usual and the app offers Finish set-up for the new space.

Common questions

Which authenticator app should I use?

Any app that shows six-digit codes that change every 30 seconds works, including the ones built into most phones and password managers.

The passkey prompt closed.

Press the passkey choice again, or use a password and an authenticator app instead.

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Set-up: save your recovery codes

Keep the ten one-time codes that let you in if you lose your device; they are shown only once.

Who can use it

The new owner, from the set-up email's link

Where it is

Set-up page, step 2: Copy, Download, I have saved them

In

A page or email outside the app

What it does

Straight after your sign-in is created, the set-up shows ten recovery codes. Each works once, in place of your second factor, if you lose your phone or security key. They are shown only now.

Step by step

1. Under Your recovery codes, press Copy to copy them, or Download to save them as a text file, and keep them somewhere safe.
2. Press I have saved them.
3. Step 3 opens, or a line says your documents are still being read and the page updates itself when that is done.

What you see

• The ten codes in a list, with "If you lose your phone or security key, one of these gets you in. Each works once. They are shown only now: copy or download them and keep them somewhere safe".
• The downloaded file is named "Biddable recovery codes" and holds your firm's name, your email address and the codes.

Good to know

• Keep the codes away from the device you sign in with, for example in a password manager or printed.
• You can make a new set at any time under Account, Security; the old set then stops working.
• The phone, tablet and desktop app and Account, Security have the same three buttons: Copy, Download and I have saved them.

Common questions

I pressed I have saved them without saving.

Sign in and make a new set under Account, Security. It needs a second factor from the last fifteen minutes; you are asked for one if yours is older.

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Set-up: check what was read

See what was read from your documents as short statements, and correct anything that is not right.

Who can use it

The new owner, signed in on the set-up page

Where it is

Set-up page, step 3, Check your details: Edit, Done

In

A page or email outside the app

What it does

When your documents have been read, step 3 lists what was set from them as short statements, grouped under headings such as Your firm, What you bid for, hard stops, Money, Who decides and Branding. Everything with a tick is set. You correct only what is wrong, and your correction takes precedence over what was read.

Step by step

1. Read the statements under Check your details.
2. Press Edit beside one that is not right. A box opens with the text.
3. Change the text and press Done.
4. To change it again, press Edit again. To undo a correction, put the original words back and press Done.
5. Go on to the questions and documents below (see the next two entries), then Finish set-up.

What you see

• An opening line such as "Here is what we read from your documents (24 items). Everything with a tick is set; press Edit on anything that is not right."
• A corrected statement shows your words, with "Was: …" and the original text under them.
• "Saved" beside Finish set-up each time your changes are saved. There is no save button: answers save as you go.
• While reading is still going: "Still reading your documents… this page updates itself when that is done." The reading usually takes 3 to 5 minutes.

Good to know

• If you uploaded nothing, the page says there is nothing to check yet and your space starts on neutral settings.
• If the reading could not finish, the page says so; you can still press Finish set-up, and your documents are looked at afterwards.
• Your corrections are applied when you press Finish set-up.
• In the phone, tablet and desktop app, Edit opens the text with Done and Cancel.

Common questions

Something important is missing from the list.

Say so under Anything else we should know? at the foot of the page, or answer it among the questions if it is asked there.

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Set-up: answer what it could not tell

Answer the few questions your documents did not settle; "I'm not sure" and "Not applicable" are complete answers.

Who can use it

The new owner, signed in on the set-up page

Where it is

Set-up page, step 3, A few things we could not tell: Answer, I'm not sure, Not applicable

In

A page or email outside the app

What it does

Anything your documents did not settle is asked as a numbered question under A few things we could not tell. Each says why it is asked and, where something was read, what was read. "I'm not sure" and "Not applicable" are complete answers: the item is settled and never asked again.

Step by step

1. Read the question and the line under it that says why it is asked.
2. To answer, press Answer (or just start typing) and fill in the answer: a short or long text, a number (with a currency where it is money), Yes or No, one of the choices given, or a date.
3. Or press I'm not sure or Not applicable. Press it again to take that answer back.
4. Leave a question you cannot answer now. It stays open after set-up.

What you see

• Each question with its heading (for example Money or Who decides), the question, why it is asked, and "We read: …" when something was read.
• The answer you chose is highlighted; with I'm not sure or Not applicable the answer box is hidden.
• "Saved" beside Finish set-up as each answer saves.

Good to know

• A threshold answered "I'm not sure" is left unset, so it cannot count against a tender. "Not applicable" turns that item off for your firm.
• Nothing you answer here is asked again later.
• Questions you leave unanswered do not stop you finishing.

Common questions

Can I change an answer after Finish set-up?

Not on this page. Tell your Biddable contact (hello@biddable.ae): see Changing your rules.

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Set-up: documents still needed and anything else

Add the few documents the set-up still wants, say when you do not have one, and add a note of anything else.

Who can use it

The new owner, signed in on the set-up page

Where it is

Set-up page, step 3, Documents we still need: Choose a file, I don't have this; Anything else we should know?

In

A page or email outside the app

What it does

Under Documents we still need the set-up lists the documents it would use but did not find, such as a template, your logo, example CVs or a certificate, each with its own upload box. "I don't have this" is a complete answer. Anything else we should know? takes a note in your own words.

Step by step

1. For each document, press Choose a file (or Choose files where more than one is wanted), or drop the file on its box.
2. If you do not have it, press I don't have this. Press it again to take that back.
3. Type anything else you want known in Anything else we should know? (optional).
4. Press Finish set-up when you are ready.

What you see

• Each document with why it is wanted and the file types its box takes, for example "DOCX, DOTX, or a zip of them. Up to 25 MB each."
• "Uploading…", then "Added." and the file listed with its size, or "Not kept:" with the reason.
• A document answered I don't have this is greyed and its box hidden.
• "Saved" as your answers and note save.

Good to know

• Each box takes only the file types that document can be; a zip of them works too.
• A document you do not have is never guessed: a missing template means a plain, neutral layout, and a missing logo means no logo.
• Documents you add here are filed where they belong when you press Finish set-up.

Common questions

I will have the document next week.

Leave it, finish the set-up, and add it later from your space or send it to your Biddable contact.

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Set-up: finish and open your space

Apply your corrections and answers, then go into your space.

Who can use it

The new owner, signed in on the set-up page

Where it is

Set-up page: Finish set-up, Open your space

In

A page or email outside the app

What it does

Finish set-up applies your corrections, answers and documents and ends the guided set-up. Your space is then yours to use, or, for some accounts, it is checked first and opens when that is done.

Step by step

1. At the foot of step 3, press Finish set-up.
2. Press Open your space.

What you see

• Your space is ready: "You are signed in. Your documents and answers are being applied in the background; your space is yours to use now."
• Or Thank you: your space is being checked: you can look around, but nothing can be changed or started until it opens, and you are emailed when it does (Your Biddable space is open).
• If you press Finish while reading is still going: "Your documents are still being read; Finish is available when that is done."

Good to know

• Unanswered questions do not hold you up. They can be settled later with your Biddable contact.
• If your documents carried your firm's branding, its colours and logo go on the app for your account when you finish, unless your account already had a brand of its own; the app keeps its own name. Your branding always goes on your bid documents. See When your account wears its own brand.
• The documents you uploaded can seed your Library once set-up is finished.
• The set-up link stops working once you finish. From then on, sign in on the sign-in page.

Common questions

I closed the page before pressing Finish set-up.

Sign in to your space and press Finish set-up on the screen that greets you (see Finish set-up from the app). Your answers so far are kept.

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Finish set-up from the app

Come back to an unfinished set-up after signing in, or go into your space and finish it later.

Who can use it

An owner whose sign-in exists but whose set-up is not finished

Where it is

After sign-in: Finish set-up, Not now, open the space

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

Once your sign-in exists, the set-up email's link alone opens nothing more, so an old link in the wrong hands cannot be used. If you stopped before Finish set-up, the app greets you after each sign-in with the rest of it, and gives you a fresh set-up link that only works for you.

Step by step

1. Sign in as usual.
2. On Finish setting up (your firm's name), press Finish set-up. The set-up opens at step 3, Check your details, with your answers so far.
3. Or press Not now, open the space to go into your space as it stands.

What you see

• The headline "Almost there." and "Your sign-in is done. One short step is left: check what was read from your documents and answer the few things it could not tell. It takes a couple of minutes."
• Opening… while the fresh link is made.
• If you open the old emailed link instead, a page says Sign in to carry on, with a Sign in button.

Good to know

• In the web app the set-up opens in the same tab. In the phone, tablet and desktop app it opens inside the app.
• Not now lasts until you next sign in or reload; the offer comes back until you finish.
• Pressing Finish set-up here replaces the emailed link: the old one stops working.
• A set-up link lasts 14 days from when it was last issued. Once your sign-in exists, this screen is still offered after the link has run out, and Finish set-up gives you a fresh one. Before your sign-in exists, ask your Biddable contact (hello@biddable.ae) for a new link.
• Only owners see this, and only for the set-up they began themselves.
• Setting up a second space with the sign-in you already have: step 2 asks you to sign in with it rather than make a new one. Once you have signed in, this screen offers the rest of the set-up.

Common questions

Can I use the space before finishing?

Yes. Press Not now, open the space. What was already read is in use; your corrections and answers apply once you finish.

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Open your set-up in the phone or tablet app

Paste the set-up email's link into the app and do the whole guided set-up there instead of in a browser.

Who can use it

The new owner, before their sign-in exists

Where it is

App sign-in page: Got a set-up email? Open your set-up

In

The phone, tablet and desktop app only

No clip for this one: The phone, tablet and desktop app only; the clips are recorded in the web app, where the same set-up opens from the email's button.

What it does

The guided set-up can run inside the phone, tablet and desktop app as well as in a browser. You paste the link from the set-up email, and the same three steps follow: upload what you have, create your sign-in, check what was read.

Step by step

1. Copy the link from the email Set up your Biddable space (press and hold the button, then copy the link).
2. In the app's sign-in page, press Got a set-up email? Open your set-up.
3. Paste it into Your set-up link and press Open my set-up.
4. Go through the steps as on the web: Choose files or a zip and Continue; then create your sign-in; then check your details and press Finish set-up.

What you see

• Open your set-up. with "Paste the link from the email "Set up your space" and the set-up carries on here, in the app".
• If the text pasted is not a set-up link: "That does not look like a set-up link. It ends in /setup/ followed by a long code."
• At the end, Your space is ready and Open your space, which takes you into the app.

Good to know

• In the app your sign-in is a password and an authenticator app. Passkeys are not available in the app yet; you can add one later under Account, Security on the web.
• Your recovery codes have Copy, Download and I have saved them in the app.
• Already have access? Sign in goes back to the sign-in page.
• You can start on the web and finish in the app, or the other way round: your progress is kept with the link.

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Sign in with an emailed code

Sign in with a six-digit code sent to your email address, then your second step.

Who can use it

Everyone who is a member of a space, unless their organisation requires single sign-on

Where it is

Sign-in page: Email me a sign-in code

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

An emailed code is the first of the two steps of signing in, and the way in for anyone without a password. A six-digit code goes to your address; you type it in, then complete your second step.

Step by step

1. On the sign-in page, type your Email. If you came from a welcome email's button, it is already filled in.
2. Press Email me a sign-in code.
3. Open the email Your Biddable sign-in code and type the six digits into Code.
4. Press Continue.
5. Complete the second step (see The second step of every sign-in), or, at your first sign-in, create your password and choose a second factor.

What you see

• "If (your address) has access, a six-digit code is on its way. It works once, for 10 minutes."
• Send a new code under the button, if the first one does not come.
• "That code is not right. Check the latest email and try again." for a wrong code, and "That code has expired or was not recognised. Ask for a new one." for an old or used one.
• Use a password under the card switches to signing in with a password.

Good to know

• The page says the same thing whether or not the address has an account, so it never reveals who is a member.
• A code works once, for 10 minutes, and a new code replaces the one before. After five wrong tries, ask for a new one.
• After many requests in a short time the page says "Too many attempts. Wait a few minutes and try again."
• If your organisation requires single sign-on, the code button is not shown: see Sign in with single sign-on.
• You stay signed in on that device until you sign out, or for 30 days without use.

Common questions

The code has not arrived.

Check the junk folder, wait a minute, then press Send a new code. Make sure the address is the one you were invited with.

I forgot my password.

Sign in with an emailed code, then set a new password under Account, Password.

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Sign in with a password

Sign in with your email address and password instead of waiting for a code, then your second step.

Who can use it

Everyone who has set a password, unless their organisation requires single sign-on

Where it is

Sign-in page: Use a password

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

A password is the first step of signing in without waiting for an email. It is always followed by a second step.

Step by step

1. On the sign-in page, press Use a password under the card.
2. Type your Email and Password.
3. Press Continue.
4. Complete the second step (see The second step of every sign-in).

What you see

• "Email or password not recognised." when either is wrong.
• "Forgotten it? Sign in with an emailed code, then set a new password under Account."
• Use an emailed code under the card goes back to the code.

Good to know

• You set a password at your first sign-in (Create your password), or later under Account, Password. It is at least 12 characters.
• After a password, the second step can also be a code emailed to you, if you have chosen emailed codes as a second factor.
• After repeated wrong passwords the page says "Too many attempts. Wait a few minutes and try again."
• Changing your password signs out every other device signed in to your account, and you are emailed that it changed.
• A sign-in from a browser not seen before sends you an email, New sign-in to your account.

Common questions

Can I use the same password as another service?

Please do not. The second step is still needed, but a password of its own is safer.

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The second step of every sign-in

Confirm it is you with a second factor after your code or password: an authenticator app, a passkey, an emailed code or a recovery code.

Who can use it

Everyone, at every sign-in that is not a passkey or single sign-on

Where it is

Sign-in page: One more step

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

Signing in always takes two steps. After an emailed code or a password, you confirm it is you with a second factor you hold. Until you do, nothing in your space opens.

Step by step

1. After your code or password, One more step. appears.
2. If you have more than one factor, choose one from the buttons: Authenticator app, Passkey, Emailed code or Recovery code.
3. Authenticator app: type the six-digit code into Code from your authenticator app and press Continue.
4. Passkey: press Use my passkey and follow your device's prompt.
5. Emailed code: press Email me a verification code, type the code and press Continue.
6. Recovery code: type one of your saved codes into Recovery code and press Continue.

What you see

• The headline "Almost there." and "Confirm it is you with a second factor."
• "Signed in as (your address). Not you? Sign out." under the card.
• For recovery codes, how many you have left: "Each works once; 7 left."
• If no factor you hold can be used here: "No second factor can be used here. Ask the owner of your space to reset yours."

Good to know

• An emailed code counts as a second step only after a password, never after an emailed sign-in code.
• A passkey works only on the web address it was made on, and not in the phone, tablet and desktop app yet. The page says so and offers your other factors.
• A recovery code works once. Make a new set under Account, Security when you run low.
• Sensitive actions later on, such as changing your password or managing members, need a second factor from the last fifteen minutes. If yours is older, the app asks for one ("Confirm it is you.") and then carries on.

Common questions

I lost the phone with my authenticator app.

Use a recovery code, then add a new factor under Account, Security. With no codes left, an owner of your space can reset your second factor from Account, Members; you then choose a new one at your next sign-in.

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Sign in with a passkey

Sign in in one step with Touch ID, Face ID, Windows Hello or a security key, with no code or password.

Who can use it

Everyone who has made a passkey on this web address, unless their organisation requires single sign-on

Where it is

Sign-in page: Sign in with a passkey

In

The web app only

What it does

A passkey is both steps of signing in at once: your device confirms it is you, and you go straight into your space. There is nothing to type.

Step by step

1. On the sign-in page, press Sign in with a passkey.
2. Choose your passkey in your browser's prompt and confirm with your fingerprint, face, device PIN or security key.

What you see

• Waiting for the passkey… while the prompt is open.
• Your space opens when the passkey is accepted.
• If the prompt is closed or times out, a line in red says so; press the button again.

Good to know

• You make a passkey when you create your sign-in on the set-up page, at your first sign-in under Protect your account, or later under Account, Security.
• A passkey belongs to the web address it was made on. If your account also has its own web address, make a passkey there too, or keep an authenticator app.
• The button appears only in a browser that supports passkeys, and not when your organisation requires single sign-on.
• Not available in the phone, tablet and desktop app yet: sign in there with a code or a password and an authenticator app.

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Sign in with single sign-on

Sign in through your organisation's own sign-in, Google Workspace or a SAML provider such as Okta or Microsoft Entra ID.

Who can use it

Members of an account whose owner has turned on single sign-on for their email domain

Where it is

Sign-in page: Sign in with Google, Sign in with SSO

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

If your organisation has single sign-on, you sign in with your work account at your own identity provider instead of a code or password. Unless your account also asks for its own second step, that sign-in counts as both steps.

Step by step

1. On the sign-in page, type your work Email and move out of the field (or press Enter).
2. Press Sign in with Google or Sign in with SSO, whichever appears.
3. Sign in at your organisation's page.
4. You come back to Biddable signed in. If your account asks for a second step too, One more step follows.

What you see

• The buttons appear only for an address on a domain set up for single sign-on, with "Or sign in with a code or password below." under them.
• Where single sign-on is required: "Your organisation signs in with single sign-on." and, under the buttons, "An owner who keeps another way in? Use a code, password or passkey". A break-glass owner presses it to sign in another way; for anyone else the code and password are refused.
• If the sign-in fails, the reason shows on the sign-in page, for example "You signed in, but you are not a member of this organisation's space yet. Ask its owner to add you."

Good to know

• Signing in through your provider does not make you a member: an owner must add you first, unless your account lets new people on its domain join by signing in.
• An owner sets single sign-on up under Account, Security; your Biddable contact adds the email domain first.
• In the phone, tablet and desktop app, single sign-on opens your browser. Sign in there and the app carries on by itself, signed in; if it does not open, press Open the app on the page the browser shows.

Common questions

I do not see the single sign-on buttons.

Your email domain is not set up for it, or you have not left the email field yet. Use a code or a password, or ask an owner.

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Create your password at your first sign-in

Straight after signing in with a code, set a password so you need not wait for a code next time.

Who can use it

Everyone with no password yet who has just signed in with an emailed code

Where it is

After the code: Create your password

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

If you have no password yet, signing in with an emailed code offers you one before you go on. Next time you can sign in with it instead of waiting for a code. It is optional.

Step by step

1. Sign in with an emailed code.
2. On Create your password., type a Password and the same again in Confirm password. Show passwords shows what you typed.
3. Press Save and continue.
4. Or press Skip for now to go on without one.

What you see

• At a first sign-in the headline is "You're in. Two quick steps.", and the text ends "Then you choose a second factor to protect your account." Otherwise it is "One more thing."
• "Use at least 12 characters." while the password is too short, and "The two passwords do not match." until the two agree.
• Saving… while it is saved; then the next step, or your space.

Good to know

• At a first sign-in it comes before you choose your second factor. If you already have a second factor, it comes after your second step.
• Skip for now is remembered for seven days in that browser, and until the app is closed in the phone, tablet and desktop app. The offer comes back after that while you still have no password.
• You can set or change a password at any time under Account, Password.
• Setting a password signs out any other device signed in to your account, and you are emailed that it was set.

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Protect your account: choose a second factor

At your first sign-in, choose the second factor you will use every time: an authenticator app, a passkey or an emailed code.

Who can use it

Everyone, at their first sign-in or after an owner has reset their second factor

Where it is

After sign-in: Protect your account

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

Everyone signs in with two steps, so at your first sign-in you choose a second factor before your space opens. You then save ten recovery codes, shown once. You can add more factors later under Account, Security.

Step by step

1. On Protect your account., choose one:
2. Authenticator app (recommended): scan the QR code with your app, or press Add to an app on this device, or copy the key. Type the code under Code from the app, name it if you like, and press Confirm.
3. Passkey (web only): name it if you like and press Create the passkey, then follow your device's prompt.
4. Emailed code: press Use emailed codes. It is offered only after a password sign-in, and you then enter a code emailed to you.
5. Save the recovery codes that appear (Copy or Download, or write them down) and press I have saved them.

What you see

• "Everyone here signs in with two steps. Choose a second factor now; you can add others later under Account, Security."
• After a sign-in with an emailed code, the emailed-code choice is left out, with "You can add emailed codes later under Account, Security."
• Save your recovery codes. with the ten codes and "they are shown only now".
• Then your space opens (or, for an owner part-way through set-up, Finish set-up).

Good to know

• Keep more than one factor, so losing a device does not lock you out.
• A passkey works only on the web address it was made on, and not in the phone, tablet and desktop app yet.
• An emailed code counts as a second step only after a password; to use it, set a password first.
• In the phone, tablet and desktop app the choices are the authenticator app and the emailed code.

Common questions

Which should I choose?

An authenticator app works everywhere, in the browser and in the app, offline too. A passkey is quicker in a browser. Many people keep both.

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A sign-in link for someone else

When a welcome link is opened in a browser signed in as someone else, choose to switch to the invited person or stay.

Who can use it

Anyone opening a welcome or sign-in link in a browser already signed in as someone else

Where it is

Web app: This link is for someone else

In

The web app only

What it does

The buttons in welcome emails ("you have been added", "your space is ready", "your space is open") open the sign-in page with the invited address filled in. If the browser is already signed in as a different person, Biddable stops and asks, so nobody ends up in the wrong space.

Step by step

1. Open the link from the email.
2. On This link is for someone else., press Sign out and continue as (the invited address) to sign this browser out and sign in as that person.
3. Or press Stay signed in as (the current address) to carry on as you are.

What you see

• "You're signed in as (current address)." and "This link is for (invited address). Sign out to carry on as (invited address), or stay as you are."
• After signing out: the sign-in page with the invited address filled in and Email me a sign-in code ready to press.

Good to know

• The link only fills in the address. It never signs anyone in and holds no secret.
• Signing out here ends this browser's session only.
• If the browser is already signed in as the invited person, the link goes straight into the space.
• The phone, tablet and desktop app never shows this screen.

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Switch between spaces

Move between the spaces you are a member of, each with its own bids, rules and documents.

Who can use it

Anyone who is a member of more than one space, in any role

Where it is

Account: Spaces, Switch

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

If you belong to more than one space, for example a freelance writer with one space per client, the Spaces card on Account lists them all. Switching opens another space; nothing is shared between them.

Step by step

1. Open Account.
2. On Spaces., find the space you want.
3. Press Switch beside it.

What you see

• Each space with its name, its account and your role there, for example "Acme Consulting · writer".
• Open beside the space you are in now.
• After switching, the app shows the space you chose, with your role in it.

Good to know

• The card appears only when you are in more than one space.
• Your role can differ from space to space: an owner in one can be a reviewer in another.
• A new sign-in opens the first of your spaces by name. Switch again if you need another.
• Your time zone is yours, whichever space you are in.

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Sign out

Sign out of this browser or this device.

Who can use it

Everyone

Where it is

Account: Sign out

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

Sign out ends your session on this browser or device. Anyone using it after you has to sign in again with both steps.

Step by step

1. Open Account.
2. On the Signed in card, press Sign out.

What you see

• The sign-in page. In the web app the page reloads, so a shared address shows the sign-in page in its own brand.
• On the second-step screen, "Not you? Sign out." does the same before you are in.

Good to know

• It signs out this browser or device only. To sign out every other device at once, use Sign out everywhere else under Account, Security.
• Without signing out, a session lasts until it has gone 30 days unused.
• Changing your password also signs out every other device.

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Your time zone

Set the time zone the app shows times in for you, and that runs you start treat as today.

Who can use it

Everyone

Where it is

Account: Time zone

In

The web app, and the phone, tablet and desktop app

What it does

Times in the app follow your time zone, and so does "today" for the agent on runs you start. It is yours alone: other people in the space keep their own. Until you set one, the space's time zone applies.

Step by step

1. Open Account and find Time zone.
2. Type a zone name into Your time zone, such as Europe/London, Asia/Dubai or America/New_York, and press Save time zone.
3. Or press Use this device's (…) to take the zone your device is set to.
4. To go back to the space's time zone, press Use the space's.

What you see

• In use: your zone and the time there now, or the space's zone marked "(the space's)".
• "Not a time zone name this device knows." under the field while the name is not a valid one.
• "Time zone saved." once it is saved.

Good to know

• Use this device's appears only when your device's zone differs from the one saved; Use the space's only when you have a zone of your own.
• Changing it changes nothing for anyone else in the space.

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