> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.boundlessfi.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Bounty modes

> How bounties are set up on Boundless: an entry type combined with a selection type, and what each means for you.

> **TL;DR:** Every bounty has a **mode**, made of two choices: the **entry type** (how you get in) and the **selection** (how the winner is chosen). The mode tells you whether you apply first, whether you work alone or compete, and how you get paid.

## What you'll learn

* The two things that define a bounty's mode
* What each entry type and selection means for you
* How the two combine

## A mode is two choices

An organizer sets up a bounty by choosing **how contributors get in** and **how the winner is chosen**. Those two choices together are the bounty's mode.

### Entry type: how you get in

| Entry type              | What it means for you                                                                                                      |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Open**                | Anyone can start right away, with no application.                                                                          |
| **Application (light)** | You send a short application (roughly 100 to 300 words, plus a few portfolio links) and are approved before you begin.     |
| **Application (full)**  | You submit a fuller proposal (your approach, relevant work, and qualifications, optionally with a short video) for review. |

### Selection: how the winner is chosen

| Selection        | What it means for you                                                                                                               |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Single claim** | One contributor does the work. You're chosen up front, you deliver, and you're paid when your work is approved.                     |
| **Competition**  | Several contributors work in parallel and the best submission wins. A competition can pay more than one place ("multiple winners"). |

## How the two combine

Either entry type can pair with either selection, which gives a range of modes. For example:

* **Open, single claim:** grab a clear task and get to work, no application.
* **Application (light) competition:** send a short application, get shortlisted, then compete on your finished work.
* **Application (full), single claim:** submit a full proposal, and the strongest proposal is chosen to do the work.

The bounty page always shows its mode, so you know before you start whether to apply, whether you're competing, and how the winner will be chosen.

<Frame caption="A mode is one choice from each axis: the entry type, and how the winner is chosen.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/boundless-bb5af936/SRy6_o7Nl_hCFvuz/images/diagrams/bounty-modes-matrix.svg?fit=max&auto=format&n=SRy6_o7Nl_hCFvuz&q=85&s=e7926fcd1320331f71bea3a2afa92858" alt="Bounty mode matrix: entry type (Open, Application light, Application full) by selection (single claim, competition)" width="700" height="260" data-path="images/diagrams/bounty-modes-matrix.svg" />
</Frame>

<Note>
  New modes are being introduced in phases, so you may not see every combination yet. Taking part in a bounty (applying and submitting) uses [Credits](/contributors/get-paid/credits).
</Note>

## In a competition, everyone is judged together

In a competition, entries are compared together after the submission deadline, so everyone is judged on their finished work. Winners can be paid across prize tiers (1st, 2nd, 3rd). See [How winners are chosen and paid](/contributors/bounties/how-winners-are-paid).

## Next steps

* [Apply to a bounty](/contributors/bounties/apply)
* [Submit your work](/contributors/bounties/submit-your-work)
* [Post a bounty](/organizers/post-a-bounty)

## Need help?

* [Discord](https://discord.gg/cNabHsV7PN) · [Support](mailto:support@boundlessfi.xyz)