> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.synaps.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.synaps.app/get-started/open-your-first-project.md).

# Open your first project

From the dashboard you can start a blank project, upload a plan to trace, generate one with AI, or reopen a recent project.

**First time here?** Choose **Start from scratch**, then follow [Create your first drawing](/get-started/create-your-first-drawing.md).

## Start a new project

The dashboard offers alternative starting points. Choose the one that matches your task:

| Starting point                 | Action                                                    |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| A blank canvas                 | Click **Start from scratch**.                             |
| A raster image or PDF to trace | Click **Upload floorplan**.                               |
| A plan described in words      | Click **Generate with AI** to open the floor-plan prompt. |
| An example to explore          | Click **Try Synaps demo project**.                        |

**Watch the steps · 9 seconds**

{% embed url="<https://610775476-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqzriLrFv2ZhYgQvlapF0%2Fuploads%2F6CqHLywzi4nSTrFCQenI%2Fget-started-open-your-first-project-01-hero.mp4?alt=media>" %}
Choose Start from scratch to open a new project.
{% endembed %}

## Reopen a recent project

The dashboard keeps your recent work to hand so you can pick up where you left off.

1. Find the **Continue working** row on the dashboard, which lists your projects with the most recently edited first.
2. Click a project's card to open it.
3. Click **See all** to view the full list.

## Organise your projects

Right-click a project card for **Rename project**, **Duplicate project**, **Move to space** and **Set thumbnail…**, depending on your access.

[Organise spaces and projects](/collaborate/organise-spaces-and-projects.md) explains these actions and what to check before deleting anything.

## What you'll see

The project opens on the canvas. **Generate with AI** also opens the floor-plan prompt; **Upload floorplan** opens a file picker.

## Tips

* **Upload floorplan** accepts images and PDF only, not DXF or DWG.
* For a DXF file, choose **Start from scratch**, then [import it inside the editor](/import-and-export/import-a-drawing-or-image.md).

## Next step

[Create your first drawing](/get-started/create-your-first-drawing.md).

More: [Move around the canvas](/get-started/move-around-the-canvas.md) · [Share your project](/get-started/share-your-project.md).