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
 8Welcome to Zed! We are excited to have you. Zed is a powerful multiplayer code editor designed to stay out of your way and help you build what's next.
 9
10This guide gets you from zero to productive in Zed. You'll learn the essential commands, configure your environment, and find your way around.
11
12## Quick Start
13
14### 1. Open a Project
15
16Open a folder from the command line:
17
18```sh
19zed ~/projects/my-app
20```
21
22Or use `Cmd+O` (macOS) / `Ctrl+O` (Linux/Windows) to open a folder from within Zed.
23
24### 2. Learn the Essential Commands
25
26| Action          | macOS         | Linux/Windows  |
27| --------------- | ------------- | -------------- |
28| Command palette | `Cmd+Shift+P` | `Ctrl+Shift+P` |
29| Go to file      | `Cmd+P`       | `Ctrl+P`       |
30| Go to symbol    | `Cmd+Shift+O` | `Ctrl+Shift+O` |
31| Find in project | `Cmd+Shift+F` | `Ctrl+Shift+F` |
32| Toggle terminal | `` Ctrl+` ``  | `` Ctrl+` ``   |
33| Open settings   | `Cmd+,`       | `Ctrl+,`       |
34
35The command palette (`Cmd+Shift+P`) is your gateway to every action in Zed. If you forget a shortcut, search for it there.
36
37### 3. Configure Your Editor
38
39Open the Settings Editor with `Cmd+,` (macOS) or `Ctrl+,` (Linux/Windows). Search for any setting and change it directly.
40
41Common first changes:
42
43- **Theme**: Press `Cmd+K Cmd+T` (macOS) or `Ctrl+K Ctrl+T` (Linux/Windows) to open the theme selector
44- **Font**: Search for `buffer_font_family` in Settings
45- **Format on save**: Search for `format_on_save` and set to `on`
46
47### 4. Set Up Your Language
48
49Zed includes built-in support for many languages. For others, install the extension:
50
511. Open Extensions with `Cmd+Shift+X` (macOS) or `Ctrl+Shift+X` (Linux/Windows)
522. Search for your language
533. Click Install
54
55See [Languages](./languages.md) for language-specific setup instructions.
56
57### 5. Try AI Features
58
59Zed 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.
60
61See [AI Overview](./ai/overview.md) to configure providers and learn what's possible.
62
63## Coming from Another Editor?
64
65We have dedicated guides for switching from other editors:
66
67- [VS Code](./migrate/vs-code.md) — Import settings, map keybindings, find equivalent features
68- [IntelliJ IDEA](./migrate/intellij.md) — Adapt to Zed's approach to navigation and refactoring
69- [PyCharm](./migrate/pycharm.md) — Set up Python development in Zed
70- [WebStorm](./migrate/webstorm.md) — Configure JavaScript/TypeScript workflows
71- [RustRover](./migrate/rustrover.md) — Rust development in Zed
72
73You can also enable familiar keybindings:
74
75- **Vim**: Enable `vim_mode` in settings. See [Vim Mode](./vim.md).
76- **Helix**: Enable `helix_mode` in settings. See [Helix Mode](./helix.md).
77
78## Join the Community
79
80Zed is proudly open source, and we get better with every contribution. Join us on GitHub or in Discord to contribute code, report bugs, or suggest features.
81
82- [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/zedindustries)
83- [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/zed-industries/zed/discussions)
84- [Zed Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/ZedEditor)