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### 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 open source. 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)