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
16> **Changed in Preview (v0.225).** See [release notes](/releases#0.225).
17
18When 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.
19
20To reopen the welcome page, close all items in the center pane or use the command palette to search for "Welcome".
21
22### 1. Open a Project
23
24Open a folder from the command line:
25
26```sh
27zed ~/projects/my-app
28```
29
30Or use `Cmd+O` (macOS) / `Ctrl+O` (Linux/Windows) to open a folder from within Zed.
31
32### 2. Learn the Essential Commands
33
34| Action          | macOS         | Linux/Windows  |
35| --------------- | ------------- | -------------- |
36| Command palette | `Cmd+Shift+P` | `Ctrl+Shift+P` |
37| Go to file      | `Cmd+P`       | `Ctrl+P`       |
38| Go to symbol    | `Cmd+Shift+O` | `Ctrl+Shift+O` |
39| Find in project | `Cmd+Shift+F` | `Ctrl+Shift+F` |
40| Toggle terminal | `` Ctrl+` ``  | `` Ctrl+` ``   |
41| Open settings   | `Cmd+,`       | `Ctrl+,`       |
42
43The command palette (`Cmd+Shift+P`) is your gateway to every action in Zed. If you forget a shortcut, search for it there.
44
45### 3. Configure Your Editor
46
47Open the Settings Editor with `Cmd+,` (macOS) or `Ctrl+,` (Linux/Windows). Search for any setting and change it directly.
48
49Common first changes:
50
51- **Theme**: Press `Cmd+K Cmd+T` (macOS) or `Ctrl+K Ctrl+T` (Linux/Windows) to open the theme selector
52- **Font**: Search for `buffer_font_family` in Settings
53- **Format on save**: Search for `format_on_save` and set to `on`
54
55### 4. Set Up Your Language
56
57Zed includes built-in support for many languages. For others, install the extension:
58
591. Open Extensions with `Cmd+Shift+X` (macOS) or `Ctrl+Shift+X` (Linux/Windows)
602. Search for your language
613. Click Install
62
63See [Languages](./languages.md) for language-specific setup instructions.
64
65### 5. Try AI Features
66
67Zed 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.
68
69See [AI Overview](./ai/overview.md) to configure providers and learn what's possible.
70
71## Coming from Another Editor?
72
73We have dedicated guides for switching from other editors:
74
75- [VS Code](./migrate/vs-code.md) — Import settings, map keybindings, find equivalent features
76- [IntelliJ IDEA](./migrate/intellij.md) — Adapt to Zed's approach to navigation and refactoring
77- [PyCharm](./migrate/pycharm.md) — Set up Python development in Zed
78- [WebStorm](./migrate/webstorm.md) — Configure JavaScript/TypeScript workflows
79- [RustRover](./migrate/rustrover.md) — Rust development in Zed
80
81You can also enable familiar keybindings:
82
83- **Vim**: Enable `vim_mode` in settings. See [Vim Mode](./vim.md).
84- **Helix**: Enable `helix_mode` in settings. See [Helix Mode](./helix.md).
85
86## Join the Community
87
88Zed is open source. Join us on GitHub or in Discord to contribute code, report bugs, or suggest features.
89
90- [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/zedindustries)
91- [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/zed-industries/zed/discussions)
92- [Zed Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/ZedEditor)