> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mana.re/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create your first project

> Create, duplicate, or restore a Mana project.

Projects are the top-level containers in Mana. A project holds your writing, scratches, Atlas entries, labels, and project configuration.

## Create a project

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open New Project">
    From the project list, choose **New Project**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a source">
    Start with an empty project, duplicate one of your existing projects, or choose a template if templates are available.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name the project">
    Enter a project name and choose the writing language.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create">
    Mana opens the new project in the editor.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What a project contains

* **Content tree**: folders and text documents for the main manuscript or writing structure
* **Scratches**: notes and fragments that sit outside the main content tree
* **Atlas**: characters, places, items, lore, and other context
* **Labels**: colored tags for content nodes
* **Configuration**: project-level editor features, labels, extensions, and writing language

## Duplicate a project

Use duplicate when you want a full copy of one of your projects. The copy includes content, scratches, Atlas entries, labels, and project settings.

Character chat history, Discord bot connections, and AI usage history are not copied.

## Trash and restore

You can move a project to Trash from the project list or project menu. Trashed projects stay in the Trash tab and can be restored.

<Note>
  Mana does not currently expose a hard-delete flow or a trash retention timer.
</Note>