View source for Draft:Bulbapedia Introduction

[[File:Bulbapedia logo.png|135px|right]]
'''Welcome to [[Bulbapedia]]!'''

Whether you're here to explore or contribute, this page will help you navigate Bulbapedia's features and ease transition to using our comprehensive and community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia. For additional questions not addressed here, visit the [[Bulbapedia talk:Introduction|talk page]] or the Bulbagarden Forums. You can use this page as your launch pad to uncover in-depth Pokémon knowledge and contribute to its expansion.

==What is Bulbapedia?==
{{main|Bulbapedia:About}}

Bulbapedia is a community-driven [[Pokémon]] encyclopedia overseen by the {{bp|Leadership Board}} and run by [[Bulbagarden]]. Since its set up on December 21, 2004, we've striven to become a trusted resource for Pokémon fans worldwide. With {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles and counting, our content grows daily, featuring updates from [[Bulbanews]] and images from the [[Bulbagarden Archives]].

We aim to provide comprehensive coverage of all significant aspects of Pokémon, from game mechanics to lore and character details. Our contributors work tirelessly to ensure that users can find information on virtually any Pokémon-related topic. We are the official [[wp:English language|English]] member of [[Encyclopædiæ Pokémonis]], a network of multilingual Pokémon wikis dedicated to compiling comprehensive Pokémon knowledge across various languages. As proud members of the [[Nintendo Independent Wiki Alliance|NIWA]], we collaborate with other fan-driven Nintendo wikis to share knowledge and resources.

==Why Bulbapedia is essential==
We offer in-depth coverage of all things Pokémon:
* '''Game mechanics''' – From [[EV training]] to advanced battle strategies.
* '''Animation and manga storylines''' – Character histories, plot summaries, and more.
* '''Historical lore''' – Cross-generational references, timeline events, and behind-the-scenes facts.

Our goal is not just to answer questions but to provide thorough, detailed information that satisfies curiosity and enhances understanding. Every article is carefully crafted to meet high standards of clarity, accuracy, and depth. If you can't find a topic, try searching or consider creating a page yourself (see [[#How do I contribute to Bulbapedia?|How do I contribute?]]). We follow [[Bulbapedia:Notability requirements|notability guidelines]] to ensure our content remains relevant and accurate.

Bulbapedia isn’t just a trusted Pokémon resource for fans—it’s even been recognized in the world of game shows! Fun fact: Bulbapedia made an appearance as a £4,000 question on the December 7, 2023, episode of the British game show The Chase. We like to think of it as our trivia moment in the spotlight—proving that Pokémon knowledge really does have real-world value—even on national television!<ref>[https://twitter.com/Mason72x/status/1732882566527504761 X post by @Mason72x]</ref>

==Can I trust Bulbapedia?==
Here's why you can rely on us:
* '''Community vigilance''' – Editors update, review, and refine articles daily.
* '''Quick corrections''' – Mistakes are swiftly identified and subsequently resolved.
* '''Leadership oversight''' – The Leadership Board enforces {{bp|Policy|quality standards}} and resolves disputes.

We encourage users to cite official sources and verify information to ensure our content remains a dependable resource. Bulbapedia has even been cited in {{bp|References in literature|research publications}}, showcasing its value as a reliable, well-maintained database.

==Exploring Bulbapedia==
{{main|Help:Navigation}}
Bulbapedia offers various ways to explore content, catering to both casual browsers and those seeking specific information.

===Portals===
[[:Category:Browsing portals|Bulbapedia's portals]] are quick-access hubs that visually organize Bulbapedia's content into themed sections. Each portal features prominent navigation tiles to help you explore specific parts of the Pokémon world, from trading cards to games.
<div style="background: #fff; border: 1px solid #4CAF50; {{roundy|10px}}; overflow: hidden; max-width: 800px; margin-bottom:1em">
    <div style="background: #4CAF50; height: 10px;"></div>
    <div>
        <table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;">
            <tr>
                <th style="width: 20%; padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #4CAF50; text-align: left;">Portal</th>
                <th style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #4CAF50; text-align: left;">Description</th>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Browse:Animation|Animation]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">Explore Pokémon TV series, movies, and other animated content.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Browse:Characters|Characters]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">Discover profiles of key characters from games, anime, and manga.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Browse:Items|Items]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">Find details about in-game items, from Poké Balls to TMs and Evolution stones.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Browse:Manga|Manga]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">Browse Pokémon manga series, arcs, and related content.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Browse:Pokémon world|Pokémon World]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">Dive into regions, gyms, trainers, and other elements of the Pokémon universe.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Browse:TCG Pocket|TCG Pocket]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">Learn about missions, achievements, and items in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Browse:Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">Access information about TCG sets, decks, and game mechanics.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Browse:Video Games|Video Games]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">Explore main series and spin-off Pokémon games, from Red and Blue to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Browse:Walkthroughs|Walkthroughs]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">Step-by-step guides for Pokémon games.</td>
            </tr>
        </table>
    </div>
</div>

===Navigation sidebar===
[[File:Bulbapedia navigation.png|thumb|150px|align="left"|On top-left side typically]]
<div style="background: #fff; border: 1px solid #4CAF50; {{roundy|10px}}; overflow: hidden; max-width: 700px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:1em">
    <div style="background: #4CAF50; height: 10px;"></div>
    <div>
        <table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;">
            <tr>
                <th style="width: 20%; padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #4CAF50; text-align: left;">Key feature</th>
                <th style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #4CAF50; text-align: left;">Description</th>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Special:Search|Search bar]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">Type in what you're looking for and hit "Go," or for a list of relevant results, hit "search."</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;"><b>[[Special:RecentChanges|Recent changes]]</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">See the newest edits across the wiki.</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; color: #6b4ba1;"><b>{{bp|Editor's Hub}}</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd;">One-stop shop for editors looking for tips, tricks, and things to do!</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="padding: 5px; color: #6b4ba1;"><b>{{help|FAQ}}</b></td>
                <td style="padding: 5px;">Answers to general questions that a user may have.</td>
            </tr>
        </table>
    </div>
</div>

===Page tabs (top of each page)===
<div style="background: #fff; border: 1px solid #4CAF50; {{roundy|4px}}; padding: 12px; width: fit-content;">
   <div style="margin-bottom: 15px;">
       <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 8px;">
           <div style="width: 100%;">
               <div style="display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;">
                   <div style="background: #daf0da; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; {{roundy|8px}}; padding: 4px 0; text-align: center; width: 114px;">
                       <div style="background: #fff; margin: 0 4px; padding: 2px 0; {{roundy|6px}};"><b>article</b></div>
                   </div>
                   <div style="font-size: 0.9em;">The main content.</div>
               </div>
           </div>
           
           <div style="width: 100%;">
               <div style="display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;">
                   <div style="background: #daf0da; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; {{roundy|8px}}; padding: 4px 0; text-align: center; width: 114px;">
                       <div style="background: #fff; margin: 0 4px; padding: 2px 0; {{roundy|6px}};"><b>discussion</b></div>
                   </div>
                   <div style="font-size: 0.9em;">Where questions or suggestions about the page go.</div>
               </div>
           </div>
           
           <div style="width: 100%;">
               <div style="display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;">
                   <div style="background: #daf0da; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; {{roundy|8px}}; padding: 4px 0; text-align: center; width: 114px;">
                       <div style="background: #fff; margin: 0 4px; padding: 2px 0; {{roundy|6px}};"><b>edit</b></div>
                   </div>
                   <div style="font-size: 0.9em;">Opens the article so you can make improvements.</div>
               </div>
           </div>
           
           <div style="width: 100%;">
               <div style="display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;">
                   <div style="background: #daf0da; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; {{roundy|8px}}; padding: 4px 0; text-align: center; width: 114px;">
                       <div style="background: #fff; margin: 0 4px; padding: 2px 0; {{roundy|6px}};"><b>edit source</b></div>
                   </div>
                   <div style="font-size: 0.9em;">Opens the article's wiki markup for direct editing.</div>
               </div>
           </div>
           
           <div style="width: 100%;">
               <div style="display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;">
                   <div style="background: #daf0da; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; {{roundy|8px}}; padding: 4px 0; text-align: center; width: 114px;">
                       <div style="background: #fff; margin: 0 4px; padding: 2px 0; {{roundy|6px}};"><b>history</b></div>
                   </div>
                   <div style="font-size: 0.9em;">Lists all previous edits in reverse order.</div>
               </div>
           </div>
           
           <div style="width: 100%;">
               <div style="display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;">
                   <div style="background: #daf0da; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; {{roundy|8px}}; padding: 4px 0; text-align: center; width: 114px;">
                       <div style="background: #fff; margin: 0 4px; padding: 2px 0; {{roundy|6px}};"><b>move</b></div>
                   </div>
                   <div style="font-size: 0.9em;">Lets you rename a page (only available to some users).</div>
               </div>
           </div>
           
           <div style="width: 100%;">
               <div style="display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px;">
                   <div style="background: #daf0da; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; {{roundy|8px}}; padding: 4px 0; text-align: center; width: 114px;">
                       <div style="background: #fff; margin: 0 4px; padding: 2px 0; {{roundy|6px}};"><b>watch</b></div>
                   </div>
                   <div style="font-size: 0.9em;">Adds the page to your watchlist so you're notified of any future edits.</div>
               </div>
           </div>
       </div>
   </div>
</div>

==How do I contribute to Bulbapedia?==
{{main|Bulbapedia:Getting started}}
===Creating an account===
{{main|Help:Logging in}}
[[File:Bulbapedia sign up.png|thumb|300px|Registration page as of January 2025]]
If you want to edit pages or unlock extra features like “watching” pages, you’ll need to [[Special:CreateAccount|create an account]] (it’s free!):
* Click '''"Log in / create account"''' at the top-right of any Bulbapedia page.
* Pick a username (preferably nothing too personal) and a secure password.
* Add an email for password recovery or notifications.

That’s it! You can now log in and start editing articles.

===Editing existing articles===
{{main|Help:Editing pages}}
* '''Fix grammar or typos''' – Even small improvements help.
* '''Add missing details''' – Fill in gaps or update outdated sections.
* '''Preview before saving''' – Click "Show preview" to check your changes.
* '''Use an edit summary''' – Briefly explain your edits for clarity.

===Creating new articles===
If a topic isn't covered yet, consider writing a new article. Ensure it meets our {{bp|Notability requirements|notability guidelines}} and isn't already covered under a different name.

===Work needed on Bulbapedia===
Not sure where to start? Check these:
* '''[[:Category:Articles needing improvement|Articles needing improvement]]'''
* '''[[:Category:Stubs|Stubs]]''' & '''[[:Category:Articles needing more information|Incomplete sections]]'''
* '''[[:Category:Pages needing attention|Pages needing attention]]'''
* '''{{bp|Bulletin Board}}
** '''Mission Board:''' New user friendly — Improve existing articles
** '''Snap Board:''' Upload needed images
** '''Research Board:''' Boot up your game and test stuff out 

These areas benefit from extra eyes and hands-on editing.

===Collaborate with others===
Collaboration is at the heart of Bulbapedia. Join discussions on article "Talk" pages to share insights, resolve disputes, or brainstorm ideas with fellow editors. For broader conversations, our [https://bulbagarden.net/forums/ Bulbagarden Forums] and [https://discord.gg/bulbagarden Discord server] offer welcoming spaces to connect and collaborate.

===Talk page===
{{main|Help:Talk pages}}
Every article (and user) has a "Talk" or "Discussion" page:
* Use it to discuss improvements or ask questions about the article.
* Sign your posts with <code><nowiki>~~~~</nowiki></code> (or click [[File:Signature button.png|22px]]) so everyone knows who said what.
* Indent replies by typing a colon (<code>:</code>) at the start of your line. Add more colons for deeper replies.

Please keep in mind that talk pages are for '''improving articles''', not casual chatting. For details, see {{bp|Talk page policy}}.

===Userspace===
{{main|Help:User page}}
Your userspace (e.g., User:YourName) is your personal page, where you can outline your editing goals or talk about your Pokémon interests.

You can also use it to simply introduce yourself, list your favorite Pokémon, or keep quick notes and a "to-do" list of edits you plan to make. Just remember that a userspace isn't a personal blog or social media. Kindly keep it simple.

For details, please see {{bp|Userspace policy}}.

==Where and how to practice editing?==
{{main|Help:FAQ}}
<div style="background: #fff; border: 2px solid #4CAF50; {{roundy|5px}}; max-width: 800px; padding: 5px;">
    <div style="text-align: center; font-size: 1.5em; color: #4CAF50;">'''Common questions'''</div>
    <div style="margin-bottom: 15px;">
        <div style="padding: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd;">
            <p style="margin: 0;"><b>❓ I’m scared I’ll mess something up. Will I break the page?</b></p>
            <p style="margin: 5px 0 0 20px;">Don’t worry! Mistakes can be fixed. Bulbapedia has a history of every edit, so you can always revert back.</p>
        </div>
        <div style="padding: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd;">
            <p style="margin: 0;"><b>📖 Do I need to know a lot about Pokémon before editing?</b></p>
            <p style="margin: 5px 0 0 20px;">Not necessarily! If you know a fact or see a typo, jump in. Every improvement helps.</p>
        </div>
        <div style="padding: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd;">
            <p style="margin: 0;"><b>🖊️ Where can I practice editing?</b></p>
            <p style="margin: 5px 0 0 20px;">You can use the '''{{bp|Sandbox}}''' to practice. It’s a safe space to test out formatting, links, and images without worrying about mistakes.</p>
        </div>
        <div style="padding: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #ddd;">
            <p style="margin: 0;"><b>🔄 Can I see if anyone is editing the same page I am?</b></p>
            <p style="margin: 5px 0 0 20px;">You can look at the [[Special:RecentChanges|recent changes]] to see ongoing edits, or check the page’s History to see other users' edits.</p>
        </div>
        <div style="padding: 10px;">
            <p style="margin: 0;"><b>💬 Where can I ask for help?</b></p>
            <p style="margin: 5px 0 0 20px;">If you're stuck, ask for help on the [https://bulbagarden.net/forums Bulbagarden Forums] or [https://discord.gg/bulbagarden Bulbagarden Discord].</p>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

==Community guidelines and policies==
We strive to foster a positive, well-organized environment by adhering to these guidelines. Mistakes happen, but staying mindful of these policies helps us work together constructively:
* '''Civility and respect''' – Treat others kindly and be open to different perspectives.
* '''Canon focus''' – Keep official Pokémon sources in mind, noting speculation or fan ideas when needed.
* '''Style standards''' – Review our {{bp|manual of style}} for grammar rules, naming conventions, and spoiler tags.

Spending time with these guidelines ensures a smoother collaboration for everyone by fostering clarity, consistency, and mutual understanding among editors, which ultimately enhances the quality and reliability of Bulbapedia.

==Why your contributions matter==
'''Your edits count!''' Bulbapedia has thousands of articles. Every edit, no matter how big or small, helps us build a more comprehensive, accurate, and welcoming resource for Pokémon fans everywhere. For example, fixing a typo or adding a missing link to an article can significantly enhance a reader's experience. Whether you're fixing a typo, adding gameplay strategies, or crafting a new article, your passion makes Bulbapedia thrive.

You’re helping Trainers worldwide learn more about Pokémon and we're delighted to have you with us. Have fun exploring and sharing your knowledge with the community, and once again, '''welcome to Bulbapedia!'''

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Need more help? We've got you covered!==
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{{HelpNav}}

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