> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.themeupstudio.com/crimson/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.themeupstudio.com/crimson/requirements/membership-and-newsletters.md).

# Membership & Newsletters

<code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> supports Ghost’s **native Membership and Newsletter features**, but they are **optional**.

### **If You Use Memberships or Newsletters**

<code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> includes:

* Custom templates for **Sign in, Sign up, Subscribe, Membership, and Account pages**
* Layouts and CTAs optimized for member-focused and subscription-based sites
* Support for paid and free membership tiers

To use these features:

* Memberships must be enabled in **Ghost Admin → Settings → Membership**
* Email newsletters must be configured using Ghost’s supported email providers

{% hint style="warning" %}
It is important to upload `routes.yaml` file for custom pages to work.
{% endhint %}

***

### **If You Do NOT Use Memberships**

That’s perfectly fine.

* <code class="expression">space.vars.THEME\_NAME</code> works normally as a **content-only news or publishing theme**
* Membership pages and features remain inactive
* No additional setup is required

You can enable memberships later at any time without reinstalling the theme.