Understanding Flik's Three Modes

Tutorial Overview

This tutorial teaches you Flik's three specialized modes through hands-on practice. You'll create a simple project that uses all three modes, understanding when and why to switch between them.

The Three Modes

Flik has three view modes, each optimized for different work:

• Default: General project work, file management, AI conversations
• Canvas: Visual layout, mood boards, spatial organization
• Editor: Video editing, timeline assembly, multi-track work

Exercise 1: Default Mode Basics

In Default mode (should be active by default):

1. Create a new folder: Click "New Folder", name it "Exercise"
2. Ask the AI: "Create a project brief document"
3. The document opens in the center panel
4. Notice the tab system - files open as tabs

Key takeaway: Default mode is for file management and document work.

Exercise 2: Canvas Mode for Visual Work

Switch to Canvas mode (click Cursor icon):

1. Notice the center changes to an infinite canvas
2. Generate 3 images in Generate mode: "modern office", "coffee shop", "co-working space"
3. Drag each image from file browser onto the canvas
4. Arrange them in a layout
5. Add text labels using the Text tool (T key)

Key takeaway: Canvas mode is for visual thinking and spatial organization.

Exercise 3: Editor Mode for Video

Switch to Editor mode (click Scissors icon):

1. Notice the timeline appears at bottom
2. Generate a short video: "Camera pan across city skyline"
3. When generated, drag video to timeline track
4. Press Spacebar to play
5. Trim the clip by dragging its edges

Key takeaway: Editor mode is exclusively for video editing.

When to Use Each Mode

Use Default when:

• Creating business documents (budgets, presentations)
• Organizing files and folders
• Working with AI on any task
• General project management

Use Canvas when:

• Creating mood boards
• Arranging visual references
• Planning layouts
• Spatial organization

Use Editor when:

• Editing videos
• Multi-track audio
• Timeline work
• Video exports

Switching Between Modes

Keyboard shortcut: Cmd+J toggles Default ↔ Editor

All modes share:

• Same file browser (left)
• Same project files
• All work is saved when switching

Practice Exercise

Create a simple project using all three modes:

1. Default: Create a folder structure
2. Generate mode: Generate 5 images
3. Canvas: Arrange images as mood board
4. Default: Create a document describing the mood board
5. Generate: Create a video based on the mood
6. Editor: Place video on timeline, export

Next Steps

• The AI Agent: Your Creative Partner — Master AI communication
• Canvas Mode Fundamentals — Deep dive into Canvas
• Video Editor Introduction — Deep dive into Editor