Install the app
- Go to useshape.org/download.
- Run the installer.
- Open Shape from the Start menu.
Sign in
Sign in with the account you use for chat and billing. You can still open files without signing in. You cannot send a message until you do. If the browser window never comes back to the app, close it, sign out from Help, and sign in again. See troubleshooting.Open a folder
Use Open folder (orCtrl+K then Ctrl+O) and pick the project you want to work on.
Shape stays in that folder until you open a different one. Chat, search, and Git all run against this folder. Open the repo root, not a nested package, unless you only want that package in context.
Send a first task
Type in the composer at the bottom of chat. Start small so you can see how Shape edits files. Examples that work well:- “Rename the primary button on the home page to Get started.”
- “Explain
app/page.tsxin a few sentences.” - “Add a loading state to the settings save button.”
Point it at a file
Type@ and pick a file. That file is attached to the message. Use this when you already know which file matters, instead of hoping Shape finds it.
Type / to run a saved prompt. See slash commands.
Review the diff
When Shape edits a file, the diff shows in the thread.- Keep the change if it matches what you asked.
- Skip it if it is wrong or too broad.
- Ask a follow-up if it is close.