> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.soloent.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create Your First Project

> Set up a new writing project in SoloEnt

In SoloEnt, each work is an independent project stored as a folder on your local computer.

<Info>
  The Agent automatically creates and organizes files within your project folder as needed.
</Info>

## Creating a new project

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose location">
    Select the parent folder where you want to create your project.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create new folder">
    Click **New Folder** and name your project.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open in SoloEnt">
    SoloEnt opens your new project folder automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Opening an existing project

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Open">
    Select **Open Folder** in SoloEnt.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to project">
    Browse to your project folder location.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select folder">
    Choose the project folder and click **Open**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Always open the **project folder**, not individual files. This allows the Agent to manage your entire project structure.
</Warning>

## Folder permissions

<Accordion title="Why does SoloEnt need folder access?" icon="lock">
  **First-time access:**

  * Your system may request your password for security
  * This grants SoloEnt permission to read and write files

  **Security:**

  * Permissions are limited to the specific folder you open
  * SoloEnt cannot access other parts of your system
  * You can revoke permissions at any time in system settings
</Accordion>

## Project organization tips

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="One project per folder" icon="folder">
    Keep each work in its own dedicated folder
  </Card>

  <Card title="Descriptive names" icon="tag">
    Use clear project names (e.g., "SciFi-Novel-2026")
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use version control" icon="code-branch">
    Track changes with timeline for version history
  </Card>

  <Card title="Avoid special characters" icon="circle-exclamation">
    Use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores only
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What happens after opening?

Once you open a project folder:

1. **File manager populates**: The left panel shows your project structure
2. **Agent activates**: Ready to help with your writing tasks
3. **Editor ready**: Start creating or editing files
4. **You're all set to get started**: Begin your creative journey

## Starting your first writing session

<Steps>
  <Step title="Tell the Agent your idea">
    Describe what you want to write in the Agent chat.

    Example: "I want to write a fantasy novel about a young wizard"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Let Agent set up structure">
    The Agent will create necessary folders and initial files.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start writing">
    Begin working on your outline, characters, or first chapter.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can't open folder">
    * Check folder permissions
    * Ensure folder exists and path is correct
    * Try creating a new folder instead
    * Restart SoloEnt and try again
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Permission denied">
    * Enter your system password when prompted
    * Check system security settings
    * Try a different folder location
    * Run SoloEnt with appropriate permissions
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Files not showing">
    * Verify you opened a folder, not a file
    * Check if folder contains compatible files
    * Refresh the file manager
    * Restart SoloEnt
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Plan Mode" icon="lightbulb" href="./plan-mode">
    Learn strategic planning with the Agent
  </Card>

  <Card title="Editor features" icon="pen-to-square" href="./Editor">
    Master the writing editor
  </Card>

  <Card title="Agent commands" icon="terminal" href="./commands">
    Use powerful writing commands
  </Card>

  <Card title="Methodology" icon="book-open" href="./methodology">
    Understand SoloEnt's writing approach
  </Card>
</CardGroup>