> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gopersonal.gitbook.io/calvin/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gopersonal.gitbook.io/calvin/user-guides/first-steps.md).

# First Steps

This guide walks you through your first experience with Calvin, from logging in to getting your first task completed by an AI agent.

Once your account is created, you land on the Home dashboard. This is your operational hub — it shows your total workspaces, working chats, active agents, and execution time for the current period. You will also find quick actions for navigating to Workspaces, Agents, Chats, and Usage Analytics, along with your most recent workspaces and any draft tips awaiting review.

Your first step is to create a workspace. Click "Add New Workspace" from the Workspaces page or from the Quick Actions on the dashboard. Calvin presents you with a template gallery organized by technology stack. If you work with VTEX, Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, or any other supported platform, pick the matching template — it will pre-configure the workspace with the right agents and environment. If your use case does not match any template, choose "Start from Scratch" to create a custom workspace and add your own agents.

After selecting a template, Calvin provisions your workspace. This includes setting up a development environment, initializing version control, and assigning the appropriate agents. The process takes a few moments.

Once inside the workspace, you will see three main areas: the chat panel on the left, the code editor and file explorer in the center, and the browser preview on the right. The top toolbar gives you access to Connectors, Blocks, version history, and the Deploy button.

To give Calvin its first task, click the "+" button next to the workspace name to create a new chat. Give the chat a name, describe the task you want accomplished in natural language (for example, "Create a responsive hero section with a promotional banner"), and optionally attach reference files like design mockups or screenshots. If you want Calvin to present a plan before executing, check the "Create plan first" option.

Once you submit, the assigned agent analyzes your request, creates a plan with clear steps, and begins executing. You can watch the progress in real time as the agent writes code, creates files, and builds out the solution. When the agent finishes, review the result in the browser preview, check the code in the editor, and either continue the conversation to request adjustments or mark the chat as complete.

When a chat is completed, Calvin proposes memories extracted from the session — lessons learned about your preferences, your codebase, and your workflow. Confirm the ones that are relevant, and Calvin will apply them to future tasks automatically.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://gopersonal.gitbook.io/calvin/user-guides/first-steps.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.