1---
 2title: Getting Started with Zed
 3description: Get started with Zed, the fast open-source code editor. Essential commands, environment setup, and navigation basics.
 4---
 5
 6# Getting Started
 7
 8Zed is an open-source code editor with built-in collaboration and AI tools.
 9
10This guide covers the essential commands, environment setup, and navigation basics.
11
12## Quick Start
13
14### Welcome Page
15
16When you open Zed without a folder, you see the welcome page in the main editor area. The welcome page offers quick actions to open a folder, clone a repository, or view documentation. Once you open a folder or file, the welcome page disappears. If you split the editor into multiple panes, the welcome page appears only in the center pane when empty—other panes show a standard empty state.
17
18To reopen the welcome page, close all items in the center pane or use the command palette to search for "Welcome".
19
20### 1. Open a Project
21
22Open a folder from the command line:
23
24```sh
25zed ~/projects/my-app
26```
27
28Or use `Cmd+O` (macOS) / `Ctrl+O` (Linux/Windows) to open a folder from within Zed.
29
30### 2. Learn the Essential Commands
31
32| Action          | macOS         | Linux/Windows  |
33| --------------- | ------------- | -------------- |
34| Command palette | `Cmd+Shift+P` | `Ctrl+Shift+P` |
35| Go to file      | `Cmd+P`       | `Ctrl+P`       |
36| Go to symbol    | `Cmd+Shift+O` | `Ctrl+Shift+O` |
37| Find in project | `Cmd+Shift+F` | `Ctrl+Shift+F` |
38| Toggle terminal | `` Ctrl+` ``  | `` Ctrl+` ``   |
39| Open settings   | `Cmd+,`       | `Ctrl+,`       |
40
41The command palette (`Cmd+Shift+P`) is your gateway to every action in Zed. If you forget a shortcut, search for it there.
42
43### 3. Configure Your Editor
44
45Open the Settings Editor with `Cmd+,` (macOS) or `Ctrl+,` (Linux/Windows). Search for any setting and change it directly.
46
47Common first changes:
48
49- **Theme**: Press `Cmd+K Cmd+T` (macOS) or `Ctrl+K Ctrl+T` (Linux/Windows) to open the theme selector
50- **Font**: Search for `buffer_font_family` in Settings
51- **Format on save**: Search for `format_on_save` and set to `on`
52
53### 4. Set Up Your Language
54
55Zed includes built-in support for many languages. For others, install the extension:
56
571. Open Extensions with `Cmd+Shift+X` (macOS) or `Ctrl+Shift+X` (Linux/Windows)
582. Search for your language
593. Click Install
60
61See [Languages](./languages.md) for language-specific setup instructions.
62
63### 5. Try AI Features
64
65Zed includes built-in AI assistance. Open the Agent Panel with `Cmd+Shift+A` (macOS) or `Ctrl+Shift+A` (Linux/Windows) to start a conversation, or use `Cmd+Enter` (macOS) / `Ctrl+Enter` (Linux/Windows) for inline assistance.
66
67See [AI Overview](./ai/overview.md) to configure providers and learn what's possible.
68
69## Coming from Another Editor?
70
71We have dedicated guides for switching from other editors:
72
73- [VS Code](./migrate/vs-code.md) — Import settings, map keybindings, find equivalent features
74- [IntelliJ IDEA](./migrate/intellij.md) — Adapt to Zed's approach to navigation and refactoring
75- [PyCharm](./migrate/pycharm.md) — Set up Python development in Zed
76- [WebStorm](./migrate/webstorm.md) — Configure JavaScript/TypeScript workflows
77- [RustRover](./migrate/rustrover.md) — Rust development in Zed
78
79You can also enable familiar keybindings:
80
81- **Vim**: Enable `vim_mode` in settings. See [Vim Mode](./vim.md).
82- **Helix**: Enable `helix_mode` in settings. See [Helix Mode](./helix.md).
83
84## Join the Community
85
86Zed is open source. Join us on GitHub or in Discord to contribute code, report bugs, or suggest features.
87
88- [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/zedindustries)
89- [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/zed-industries/zed/discussions)
90- [Zed Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/ZedEditor)