Open a repository
Use Open Repository on the welcome screen or press Cmd+O.
ADE expects the root of a Git repository. If you do not have one ready, create a new directory and run:
What ADE creates
When ADE opens a repository for the first time, it creates a local .ade/ directory for worktrees, metadata, packs, and artifacts.
First-run onboarding
ADE walks through a short onboarding flow:
Detect repository defaults
ADE reads local Git settings and common project signals.
Review project config
ADE proposes a starting config for the repository.
Import existing branches
ADE can register existing branches as attached lanes.
Generate context
ADE builds an initial context baseline so new agents do not start completely cold.
If .ade/ is not already ignored, add it to .gitignore.
