Getting started with Aru
Aru is an AI desktop app that carries out real work through conversation. It can read and edit files in a project folder, find information on the web, and use connected tools.
Choose a project folder and describe what you want in plain language. You can follow the work and review the result in the same conversation.
Before you install
- A macOS or Windows computer
- A QueryPie AIP account and an organization you can access
- A writable working folder and any source material you need
Public downloads are available for Apple Silicon Macs and x64 Windows PCs. Choose the installer for your computer. Available models and integrations depend on your organization.
Download and install Aru
- Open the Aru download page .
- Choose Download for macOS or Download for Windows.
- Open the downloaded installer. On macOS, open the DMG and move Aru to Applications. On Windows, follow the EXE installer.
- Launch Aru.
If the page cannot load download information, select Retry. Make sure the version and download button appear before downloading.
Sign in to AIP and choose an organization
- Select Get started on the Aru welcome screen.
- Sign in to AIP in the browser dialog inside Aru. If your organization uses SSO, follow your company’s sign-in flow.
- The dialog closes after authentication. Closing it yourself cancels sign-in; you can try again from the welcome screen.
- Choose an organization and wait for the workspace to be ready.
If setup does not complete, check your sign-in, organization access, network connection, and available models. See Troubleshooting for details.
Understand the screen
| Area | What it does |
|---|---|
| Home | Shows the current conversation and composer. |
| Projects and tasks | Lets you choose a project or previous task and start a new task. |
| Composer | Sends requests and files and lets you choose a model and permission mode. |
| Conversation | Shows responses, tool activity, questions, and approval requests. |
| Right panel | Shows files, changes, context, the browser, and Side Chat. |
| Plugins, MCP, and Skills | Manages extensions and connections to external services. |
| Settings and account | Changes app settings, switches organizations or accounts, and signs out. |
Add your first project
- Select New project in the projects and tasks list.
- Choose the folder you want to work in.
- Confirm that the project name and path point to the right folder.
- Select New task in the project.
Even for document work, a dedicated folder keeps source files and results together. A project can be a regular folder; it does not have to be a Git repository.
Ask Aru to do work
Describe the result you want in the project chat. Attach files or reference material when needed.
For example, to understand a project:
Review this project’s file structure and explain what the main folders are for. Do not modify any files.
You can also work from a document or file:
Extract the decisions and follow-up actions by owner from the attached meeting notes. Show me a draft in the conversation first.
Aru may inspect files or use tools to complete the request. It asks for approval before actions that require permission.
Review results and continue
Open a result from its link in the response or from the Files panel. If files changed, compare them in Changes. Send another message in the same task when you want a revision.
- Manage projects: Manage folders and working environments.
- Tasks and conversations: Write requests, follow progress, and send follow-ups.
- Create documents and images: See examples for creating deliverables.
- Considerations: Understand the effects of file and service changes.