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Use Open Repository on the welcome screen or press Cmd+O. Choose the root of a Git repository, or clone one straight from GitHub. If you pick a subfolder, ADE finds the repository root automatically.
Open a local repository or clone from GitHub

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What ADE creates

On first open, ADE creates a local .ade/ directory: 
.ade/
  ade.db
  worktrees/
  artifacts/
  cache/
  secrets/
This holds local runtime state, lane worktrees, transcripts, proof, and credentials. It should normally be gitignored. Your repository root becomes the primary lane — it always exists and is edit-protected. Every other lane you add is a separate worktree under .ade/worktrees/, so agent work never touches your main checkout until you choose to merge it.
Do not commit .ade/ wholesale. It contains machine-local paths and state. If your project needs shared ADE defaults later, use the project configuration flow rather than committing local secrets or runtime files.

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First setup

The setup flow checks the basics:
  • Git is installed.
  • At least one AI provider is ready.
  • GitHub is available if you want PR management.
  • Linear is available if your team uses it.
  • Optional mobile pairing can be configured later in Settings.
You can skip any step and return to it from Settings.

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After opening

Create a lane before running your first agent. That keeps your primary checkout clean and gives the task its own branch and worktree.

Create your first lane

Start isolated work for a small task.

Connect a provider

Make sure at least one agent is ready to run.