> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.papers.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.papers.ai/getting-started/create-or-open-your-first-project.md).

# Create or open your first project

The first time you open Papers AI without an account, you land directly inside a starter "Welcome" project. It's a temporary project, like the one described below, so you can look around without an account. When you're ready to create a project of your own, use the steps below; signing up is only required if you want to save it to the cloud.

## Create a new project

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Name your project

From the dashboard, click **New project** and give it a name.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose where to save it

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Temporary" %}
Saved only in your browser, with no extra setup and no account required. Papers AI will prompt you to save it somewhere more permanent (your device or the cloud) whenever you navigate away from it; until then, it can be lost if you clear your browser's cache or site data.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Local folder" %}
Saved to a folder on your device. Click **Choose folder** and pick an empty folder. No account required.

Only available in Chromium-based browsers: Chrome, Edge, Opera (desktop), Chrome for Android, and Samsung Internet. Safari and Firefox don't support it, and Brave has partial support.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Cloud" %}
Saved to Papers AI's servers, accessible from any device, and easy to share later. Requires an account: sign up if you haven't already.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create the project

Click **Create project**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add your files

On the **Add files** screen, either:

* Stay on **Blank files** and pick the file types you want: Markdown, Word, Typst, MyST, or LaTeX for writing; a notebook, Python, or CSV for data; BibTeX for references; a Gantt chart or Kanban board for planning.
* Switch to **Choose from device** and drag in existing files.

Click **Add files**. Your project opens with those files in the file explorer.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Open an existing folder

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Choose the folder

From the dashboard, click **Open from device**, then choose a folder.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Review what was found

Papers AI scans the folder for supported file types (`.docx`, `.tex`, `.bib`, `.ipynb`, `.md`, `.csv`, `.txt`, `.pdf`, `.kanban`, `.timeline`) and lists what it found.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open the project

Review the list, then click **Open \[N] files**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Unsupported file types (like `.pptx` or other presentation formats) still appear in your file list, but Papers AI can't open or edit them. You'll need a compatible application for those.
{% endhint %}

## Start from a template instead

From the dashboard, click **Start from template** to browse ready-made project and file templates in the in-app template gallery, instead of starting blank or importing files.

{% hint style="success" %}
Once your files are in, open the AI tab and ask what's in the project. It's a fast way to get oriented in a folder someone else put together, or to double check an import went as expected. See [Using AI](/using-ai/using-ai.md).
{% endhint %}

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>Local folder isn't an option</summary>

Your browser doesn't support the file access feature this needs. Use Chrome, Edge, or another Chromium-based browser, or choose **Temporary** or **Cloud** instead.

</details>

<details>

<summary>A file won't open</summary>

Check its type against the supported list above. Unsupported files need to be opened elsewhere.

</details>

<details>

<summary>The new project opens with no files</summary>

Reopen it and confirm your file selection or folder import completed.

</details>

<details>

<summary>A temporary project disappeared</summary>

Temporary projects only exist in your browser. If your cache or site data was cleared, there's no way to recover it. Choose **Local folder** or **Cloud** for anything you want to keep.

</details>

## Next steps

* [Workspace tour](/getting-started/workspace-tour.md): orientation to every panel and control.
* [Using AI](/using-ai/using-ai.md): ask the AI about your new project.
* [Share a project and manage access](/collaborating/share-a-project-and-manage-access.md): invite collaborators once your project is in the cloud.