Make your first edit¶
This walkthrough needs only an installed Mellow binary and an interactive terminal. You do not need Git, a language server or an AI account. Use a new practice folder so you can experiment without changing a project.
1. Open a new file¶
Run these commands in your shell:
mellow --version
mkdir mellow-practice
cd mellow-practice
mellow notes.txt
The version command should print mellow followed by the installed version.
The commands on this site describe 0.3.3 beta. If mellow is not found,
follow the PATH troubleshooting steps.
If the practice folder already exists, choose another name.
notes.txt does not need to exist: Mellow opens a new buffer and creates the
file when you save. The start page lists the first keys; press Enter or start
typing to leave it. Type:
Hello from Mellow.
Next: open a project folder.
Typing inserts text immediately. Use arrow keys to move, Shift with arrows
to select, and Ctrl+Z to undo. The mouse can position the cursor or select text.
2. Save and verify¶
Press Ctrl+S to write notes.txt, then Ctrl+Q to return to your shell.
If you have unsaved changes, Mellow asks what to do before quitting.
cat notes.txt
You should see the two lines you typed. This is the complete basic workflow: open, edit, save, quit. A missing parent directory or a directory you cannot write to can prevent saving; read the status message before quitting.
3. Open the folder¶
mellow .
Mellow opens the project folder and can restore its previous tabs. Press
Ctrl+B to show the file tree, or Ctrl+O and type notes to find the file.
Press Enter to open a selected picker result.
A file argument opens that file; a directory argument opens a workspace.
With no argument, mellow uses the current directory. The CLI accepts one
optional path, not a list of files; use the picker or tabs for more files.
4. Discover commands¶
Press Ctrl+P, type settings, and select Open settings to change a
setting such as your theme. Press Esc to leave an overlay and return to editing.
F1 opens help. These are the main keys to learn:
| To | Press |
|---|---|
| Save / quit | Ctrl+S / Ctrl+Q |
| Undo / redo | Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y |
| Open a file / close a tab | Ctrl+O / Ctrl+W |
| Find text in this file | Ctrl+F |
| Find a command | Ctrl+P |
| Show help / file tree | F1 / Ctrl+B |
| Open the shell / return to the editor | Ctrl+T |
Terminal keys are part of the setup¶
On macOS, use Control, not Command. The terminal may intercept a shortcut, and some combinations require enhanced keyboard reporting. Mellow adapts its help and palette to the keyboard protocol it detects; terminal-level bindings can still take precedence. Use the command palette if a shortcut does not arrive.
For the terminal's own mouse selection, start with mellow --no-mouse.
See the keyboard reference for all defaults and custom bindings.
Continue with a real task¶
Everyday workflows walks through editing configuration, project search, split panes, a built-in shell and Git review. Add language servers or format on save only when you need them. If a session is interrupted, see crash recovery.