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How to use Zed code editor: download, first project, keybindings, AI panel

Download Zed, open a repo root, memorize core shortcuts, and send your first Assistant prompt.

Switching from VS Code or JetBrains, the scary part is installing something and not knowing the next click. Zed is a GPU-accelerated code editor built in Rust, focused on low-latency editing, built-in collaboration, and an AI assistant panel.

People searching how to download Zed editor keybindings AI assistant usually need four outcomes: install from the official site, open a first project folder, learn core shortcuts, and send a first prompt in the Assistant panel. Steps follow zed.dev documentation.

Download Zed Open first project Shortcuts + AI panel

Who Zed is for

01

Developers who want snappy local editing

Scrolling large repos, completions, and multi-cursor edits prioritize responsiveness; the project advertises a GPU-oriented input and render path.

02

Teams that want AI without leaving the editor

The Assistant panel can answer about the current file or selection; inline flows may insert suggestions depending on your version—check official AI docs.

03

macOS / Linux daily drivers

Platform builds are listed on the Download page; confirm support before switching machines.

Download and install

  1. 1

    Use the official download page

    Visit https://zed.dev/download. Avoid third-party mirrors so signatures and update channels stay trustworthy.

  2. 2

    macOS: install from .dmg

    Open the disk image and drag Zed into Applications. If Gatekeeper blocks the first launch, allow it under System Settings → Privacy & Security. Pick Apple Silicon or Intel builds as offered on the site.

  3. 3

    Linux: follow distro instructions

    The site typically ships .tar.gz archives or install scripts. Add Zed to your PATH or desktop entry per the docs; library dependencies are listed on Download.

  4. 4

    First launch and updates

    Zed can check for updates through its built-in flow. Staying reasonably current helps LSP and AI fixes. Signing in to a Zed account is required for some Assistant features—see below.

Open your first project

Open a folder, not an orphan file, so language servers and Git status work.

File → Open Folder… → pick your repo root

# Or from the command palette
Cmd+Shift+P (macOS) / Ctrl+Shift+P (Linux)
Type: open folder / new project (exact entries vary)

The file tree sits on the left, editor in the center, terminal panel at the bottom. Git repos show changes; language mode is inferred from extensions and can be adjusted in the status bar.

Core shortcuts (macOS; use Ctrl on Linux)

ShortcutActionUse case
Cmd+Shift+PCommand paletteWhen you cannot find a menu item
Cmd+PQuick open fileJump across large trees
Cmd+Shift+FProject searchFind symbols or strings
Cmd+BToggle sidebarMore editor width
Cmd+`Terminal panelTests and git
Cmd+K Cmd+SKeyboard shortcutsLookup or rebind keys

Full lists: command palette → keyboard shortcuts, or docs.zed.dev Keyboard Shortcuts. Many defaults resemble VS Code; see Zed’s migration guide if you are switching.

AI Assistant panel basics

  1. 1

    Sign in to Zed

    Some Assistant capabilities require an account (Sign in in the panel or menu). Models, quotas, and paid tiers are defined on Zed’s pricing/docs pages—do not assume everything is free.

  2. 2

    Open the Assistant panel

    Use the sidebar icon, command palette (assistant / panel), or the shortcut documented for your version. The panel scrolls independently beside the editor.

  3. 3

    Ask with selection context

    Highlight code before prompting so the assistant sees context—explain a function, sketch tests, or turn logs into a checklist. Review output before committing.

  4. 4

    Inline edits when available

    Some builds support inline generate/edit at the cursor; entry points live in the AI docs. Preview diffs before accepting changes.

Zed is an editor, not CI or hosting. AI suggestions do not replace review; never paste secrets into Assistant chats.

Language server idle
Open the repo root, not a single file; confirm the language is supported and LSP is enabled in settings.
Shortcut clashes
Search commands in Keyboard Shortcuts and rebind; desktop environments may steal keys.
Assistant disabled
Sign in, check network/proxy settings per docs, then Help → View Logs for errors.

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Questions worth checking

How is Zed different from VS Code?

Zed is a native app emphasizing latency, collaboration, and built-in AI; VS Code has a larger extension marketplace. Pick based on whether you need Zed’s path or an existing VS Code toolchain.

Can I code offline?

Local editing and cached LSP can work offline; Assistant typically needs network—see official docs for your version.

Where are settings stored?

JSON settings via command palette → Default/User Settings; paths and merge rules are in Configuring Zed on docs.zed.dev.

Is Windows supported?

Check zed.dev/download for the current platform list before installing; this guide focuses on macOS and Linux.

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