Manage projects

A project is a folder on your computer that Aru works in. It can be a code repository or a regular folder containing documents and data. A task is an individual conversation within that project.

For example, a Quarterly report project could contain separate tasks for Sales analysis, Presentation, and Report review. The conversations are separate, but they use files from the same project folder.

Add a folder

1. Select New project in the projects and tasks list.
2. Browse to the folder you want to use.
3. Add the selected folder as a project.
4. Select the project and open New task.

Adding a project uses the files already in that folder; it does not make a separate copy. Back up important material or use Git before asking Aru to edit it.

You can also add a project from the Command Palette. On macOS, press ⌘P, search for Add project, and select it. View or change the shortcut under Settings → Keyboard Shortcuts.

Switch projects

Choose a project and task from the list. The file explorer, Changes, and terminal use the working environment of the selected task.

If several projects contain files with the same name, check the path before sending a request. This also applies to file mentions and result links in the composer.

Change the name, color, or icon

1. Open the project menu and select Edit.
2. Set the Name, Color, and Icon.
3. Review the preview and select Save.

Changing the display name does not rename the folder on your computer. Use names and colors to make projects easier to tell apart. Project options are also available under Settings → Projects.

Aru can look for a favicon in the project folder and use it as the project icon.

1. Under Project icon in the edit screen, select Find favicon.
2. Check the preview and project list after Aru applies the icon.

If no favicon is found, use Upload icon. If you already uploaded an icon, remove it before selecting Find favicon.

Run several tasks in one project

Create a task for each topic to keep conversations separate. Changes can still affect one another when several tasks edit the same folder.

For Git projects, use a worktree when you also need separate files. A new task separates the conversation; a worktree creates a separate working directory.

Close a project

Use Close project from the project menu to remove it from the list. This does not delete the folder or its files.

Before deleting files or folders, confirm the path and anything you need to keep. See Browse and preview files for file operations.