Projects, branches and worktrees
Point the agent at a folder, choose the branch it works on, and use a worktree to keep its changes off your own checkout.
A project is simply a folder on your computer. Once a chat has one, the agent reads and edits files there, runs commands there, and the Files, Terminal and Changes tabs all show that folder.
Choose a project
A new chat with no folder shows Work in a Project in the composer. Click it to pick a project you have used before, or choose New Project to add a folder. Type in Search projects... to filter the list. You can also switch projects from the / menu under Project.
To skip this step for new chats, set Default working directory under Settings → General. You can still change it per chat.
If the agent needs to see more than one folder, open the project menu and add them under Additional Folders.
Choose a branch
When the project is a Git repository, a branch control appears beside the project name. It shows the branch the agent will work on. Click it to search your branches, or type a new name to create one. The chosen branch is where the agent's commits land.
Work in a worktree
A worktree is a separate copy of your repository, on its own branch, in its own folder. The agent works there while your original checkout stays exactly as you left it. You can keep editing and running your own code without the two getting in each other's way.
To use one:
- Open the branch control and turn on New Worktree.
- Pick the base branch to start from, then send your first message.
- A Worktree created card appears in the chat with the new branch name and location.
The Files, Terminal and Changes tabs follow the worktree, so you review the agent's work in place. Right-click the chat in the sidebar and choose Reveal Worktree to open its folder, or Restore worktree to bring it back if it has been removed. When you are happy with the result, open a pull request or merge the branch as you normally would. See Review changes and pull requests.