Zed Industries
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Getting Started

Zed is an open-source code editor with built-in collaboration and AI tools.

This guide covers the essential commands, environment setup, and navigation basics.

Quick Start

1. Open a Project

Open a folder from the command line:

zed ~/projects/my-app

Or use Cmd+O (macOS) / Ctrl+O (Linux/Windows) to open a folder from within Zed.

2. Learn the Essential Commands

ActionmacOSLinux/Windows
Command paletteCmd+Shift+PCtrl+Shift+P
Go to fileCmd+PCtrl+P
Go to symbolCmd+Shift+OCtrl+Shift+O
Find in projectCmd+Shift+FCtrl+Shift+F
Toggle terminalCtrl+`Ctrl+`
Open settingsCmd+,Ctrl+,

The command palette (Cmd+Shift+P) is your gateway to every action in Zed. If you forget a shortcut, search for it there.

3. Configure Your Editor

Open the Settings Editor with Cmd+, (macOS) or Ctrl+, (Linux/Windows). Search for any setting and change it directly.

Common first changes:

  • Theme: Press Cmd+K Cmd+T (macOS) or Ctrl+K Ctrl+T (Linux/Windows) to open the theme selector
  • Font: Search for buffer_font_family in Settings
  • Format on save: Search for format_on_save and set to on

4. Set Up Your Language

Zed includes built-in support for many languages. For others, install the extension:

  1. Open Extensions with Cmd+Shift+X (macOS) or Ctrl+Shift+X (Linux/Windows)
  2. Search for your language
  3. Click Install

See Languages for language-specific setup instructions.

5. Try AI Features

Zed 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.

See AI Overview to configure providers and learn what's possible.

Coming from Another Editor?

We have dedicated guides for switching from other editors:

  • VS Code — Import settings, map keybindings, find equivalent features
  • IntelliJ IDEA — Adapt to Zed's approach to navigation and refactoring
  • PyCharm — Set up Python development in Zed
  • WebStorm — Configure JavaScript/TypeScript workflows
  • RustRover — Rust development in Zed

You can also enable familiar keybindings:

  • Vim: Enable vim_mode in settings. See Vim Mode.
  • Helix: Enable helix_mode in settings. See Helix Mode.

Join the Community

Zed is open source. Join us on GitHub or in Discord to contribute code, report bugs, or suggest features.