diff --git a/apps/docs/content/guides/deployment/branching/dashboard.mdx b/apps/docs/content/guides/deployment/branching/dashboard.mdx
index e3367f382fe..ad1ae7021c8 100644
--- a/apps/docs/content/guides/deployment/branching/dashboard.mdx
+++ b/apps/docs/content/guides/deployment/branching/dashboard.mdx
@@ -30,6 +30,12 @@ This functionality is currently in beta and requires opting in. To opt in you mu
 
 ## Creating a branch
 
+<Admonition type="note">
+
+When using dashboard branching without a GitHub integration, the branch dropdown displays `main / PRODUCTION` on every project, but on a brand-new project the production branch hasn't been registered yet. The first "Create branch" click populates this row behind the scenes — technically enabling branching on the project — and requires Owner/Administrator access. After that one-time step, anyone with the Developer role can create, update, and delete preview branches.
+
+</Admonition>
+
 Once you've enabled the feature, you can create a new branch:
 
 1. Click the arrows next to the branch name in the top menu bar. (The top menu bar has the format `YOUR_ORGANIZATION / YOUR_PROJECT / CURRENT_BRANCH_NAME`.)