# Your first session

Canonical HTML: [Your first session](https://getred.dev/docs/getting-started/first-session). Website source: `b212874eefaf200143affa21c770fbb8855a4f5c`. Documented Red release: v0.9.1. Installer source: `b86a2ca4b92e9547d3b174910c82db8a259f5171`.

Open a project, edit and save a file, and learn where Red keeps its commands and shortcuts.

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## Start Red

Open a file, or set the workspace root explicitly:

```shell
red src/main.rs
red -r path/to/project
```

The first interactive launch opens Red's welcome screen. Press `Esc` to enter the editor, or start the guided tour. The tour uses a disposable practice buffer and simulated Git and Agent screens; it doesn't change your repository or start Codex.

```red-command
:tutorial
:tutorial quick
```

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## Edit and save a file

1. **Find a file.**

   Press `Ctrl-p`, type part of its name, and press `Enter`.

2. **Enter Insert mode.**

   Press `i` and type your change. Press `Esc` to return to Normal mode.

3. **Save.**

   Type `:w` and press `Enter`.

4. **Leave Red.**

   Type `:q` and press `Enter`. Use `:wq` to save and quit in one command.

<a id="know-which-mode-you-are-in"></a>

## Know which mode you are in

| Mode    | Enter with            | Use it for                      |
| ------- | --------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| Normal  | `Esc`                 | Navigation and editing commands |
| Insert  | `i`, `a`, or `o`      | Typing text                     |
| Visual  | `v`, `V`, or `Ctrl-v` | Selecting text                  |
| Command | `:`                   | Named editor commands           |

<a id="find-the-next-command"></a>

## Find the next command

Press `Space ?` to open the command palette. It shows available commands, descriptions, and active keybindings. Press `F1` for keyboard help in the current editor, pane, or dialog.

`Ctrl-p`Find a project file

`Ctrl-e`Open the file tree

`Space g`Search project text

`Space G`Open the Git workspace

`Space t`Browse themes

`Space m`Open messages