> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.terrastories.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.terrastories.app/explore-terrastories/exploring-the-explore-terrastories-interface.md).

# Exploring the Explore Terrastories interface

The welcome interface for Explore Terrastories allows the user to browse and search for any community that has opted in to sharing their content with a greater public. You can either browse the list or search for the name of a community. You can also select a language on the top right of the window.

<figure><img src="/files/65Wlk6frjYblFj79ol2Y" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once a community has been selected, you will view their map (without needing to log in!)

<figure><img src="/files/tYlumSdhJDBVUOl7Vczn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Note: Explore Terrastories shows the same default basemap for all communities. This is done in order to protect any sensitive information that may be added to a community's custom map. In the future, we will make it possible for communities to select their own custom map for their Explore Terrastories view.
{% endhint %}

&#x20;The Explore Terrastories interface offers a much streamlined and improved over what is offered in [Exploring the Terrastories main interface](/using-terrastories/exploring-the-terrastories-main-interface.md), and eventually we will adapt the main Terrastories interface to use the new framework and design of Explore Terrastories. That said, much of the functionality is the same, with a few differences:

<figure><img src="/files/jCxh4M0SGi4G0LOV46Y0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The main sidebar now shows a more truncated, streamlined version of the content. Clicking on a story will open the full details of the story, with a much improved layout:

<figure><img src="/files/TGAHWlGg8oS8brFhq4Kr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Information about Places now opens in the sidebar, too, giving users the ability to add more more information which previously was only shown in the popup on the map.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/2Qk2Qq9Pvuz0Cy1Eo3fs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can also filter Places using the dropdowns:

<figure><img src="/files/o5rPrABrXqoYwP6kNibI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

It is now possible to expand the image in the Place popup on the map, to view it in a higher resolution:

<figure><img src="/files/TGveHOTFi1alG9jRBmwB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can add multiple results to your filter in the secondary sidebar:

<figure><img src="/files/sDSeGbkCyXhp4oGurxKN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Lastly, you can toggle between communities! Once you have selected a community in the Welcome screen, you can then switch to a different community using the "Switch Communities" link in the bottom left of the sidebar:

<figure><img src="/files/X8z2MKRqnlkQxI4CXLRK" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>