Setting Up Your First Project

What You'll Learn

In this guide, you'll learn how to create your first Flik project, navigate the three-panel interface, understand the AI chat system, and explore the three view modes. By the end, you'll be comfortable with Flik's workspace and ready to start creating.

No prerequisites needed — this guide assumes you've just installed Flik and are opening it for the first time.

Creating Your First Project

The Welcome Screen

When you first open Flik, you'll see a centered prompt asking: "What story do you want to tell?"

This is your starting point. You can:

• Type a project description or idea
• Attach reference files (images, videos, documents) using the paperclip icon
• Select a visual style from the dropdown (Live Action, Animation, etc.)
• Or leave it blank and just press Enter for an "Untitled" project

Starting Your Project

1. Type a simple project description, for example:
   • "Music video for a synthwave track"
   • "Product photography for my online store"
   • "Interior design for my living room"
   • Or simply "My First Project"
2. Press Enter or click the submit button
3. Flik creates your project and opens the workspace
4. Your project name is automatically set from your description

Understanding the Interface

Once your project is created, you'll see Flik's three-panel layout. Think of it like a professional creative workspace: left sidebar for files, center for content, right for AI assistance.

Left Panel: File Browser

Your project's file system lives here. This is where all your assets, documents, and generated content are organized.

Key features:

• Search bar at the top (Cmd+F to focus)
• Action buttons: New File, New Folder, Upload
• View toggle: Switch between List and Grid view
• Folder structure: Organize files however you want
• Drag-and-drop: Drag files to other panels or reorder within folders

Keyboard shortcut: Cmd+B to toggle the left panel

Center Panel: Workspace

This is your main work area where you'll view and edit files.

What appears here:

• Tab bar at the top shows all open files
• Documents: Screenplays, rich text documents
• Media: Images, videos with preview and details
• Folders: Grid or list view of folder contents
• Empty state: When no tabs are open, shows welcome message

Opening files: Click any file in the left sidebar to open it as a tab here. Closing tabs: Click the X on each tab, or press Cmd+K to close the active tab.

Right Panel: AI Chat

Your AI assistant lives here. This is where you'll communicate with Flik's AI to generate content, get help, and execute tasks.

Key components:

• Mode selector: Switch between Agent and Generate mode
• Chat history: All your conversations with the AI
• QueryBar: Input area at the bottom for your requests
• Stop button: Appears when AI is running (click to cancel)

Keyboard shortcut: Cmd+L to toggle the right panel

The Three View Modes

In the top-left corner (next to the Flik logo), you'll see three icon buttons. These switch between Flik's three main view modes.

Default Mode (Home icon)

The standard layout you'll use most often.

• All three panels visible
• Best for general project work
• File management and AI conversations
• Viewing and organizing content

Canvas Mode (Cursor icon)

A visual workspace for creating mood boards and storyboards.

• Drag images and videos onto the canvas
• Resize, rotate, and arrange objects freely
• Add text labels and shapes
• Multi-select and group elements
• Best for: Visual planning, storyboarding, mood boards

Editor Mode (Scissors icon)

Professional video editing with a timeline interface.

• Multi-track video and audio editing
• Timeline with playback controls
• Trim, arrange, and layer clips
• Add text overlays and effects
• Export final videos
• Left panel automatically hides for more workspace

Next Steps

• Understanding the Three View Modes — Deep dive into modes
• Understanding Flik's AI Agent — Learn to work with the AI
• The File Browser and Project Organization — Organize your work