# Getting started with Emm




Create a local project and write your first issue. Local work needs no account.

## Open Emm and the project list

Download Emm from the [Emm download page](https://emmflow.com) and open the macOS app. With no project remembered, Emm opens the Project List. If a project is already open, focus Emm, press **Command+Shift+O**, and choose **Add new project** to reach that list. Your projects appear alphabetically, alongside account and invitation controls.

## Create a new project

In the project list, click **Add project…**, then **Create new project**.

1. Enter a **Project name** (for example, "Product Planning"). The name is what
   you see in Emm; you can rename it later.
2. Inspect the suggested **Project folder**, or select **Choose folder…** for another location. The project name and folder name can differ.
3. Click **Create project**. A local project requires no sign-in, and nothing is
   uploaded.

If a folder already holds an `emm.db`, use **Add local project** instead and choose that folder.

## Open an existing project

Click a project row in the list to open it. If a local file is missing, the row shows **Local file not found** and cannot be opened until the folder is restored. Use **Add local project** to remember a project stored elsewhere.

## Write your first issue

With a project open, focus the Issues window and press **Command+Shift+N** (Issue → New High Issue). This opens an unsaved draft with the title ready to type. Type a title and press **Enter** to save it and move to the description. Add the details needed to do the work. The issue starts as a **Draft**. When it is ready for agent work, open its status control and choose **Open**.

**Command+N** creates a Note, not an issue.

For command-line access, see [Agents and CLI](agents-and-cli.md).