Get Started

This guide will show you how to install VS Code, install Elements, create your first app, and start building with AI.

1. 1Install VS Code

   VS Code is a free app for building software. Already have it? Go to the next step.

   Download VS Code

2. 2Open VS Code

   Open VS Code from your Applications folder.

   Or press Command + Space, type "VS Code" and press Enter.

3. 3Sign in to GitHub Copilot

   New to VS Code? It asks you to sign in when it first opens. Click Continue with GitHub.

   VS Code

   

   Already had VS Code? Click Sign In at the top right of the window.

   VS Code

   

   No GitHub account? Create one when you sign in. Copilot has a free plan.

4. 4Install Elements

   Sign up to get your install command. Already have an account? Log in

   Subject

   Username

   Generate

   Email

   Password

   I agree to the License Agreement, Acceptable Use Terms and Privacy Policy.

   Next: verify your email

5. 5Create a new app

   1. When the install finishes, press Shift + Command + P to open the command palette.
   2. Type "new app" and press Enter.

   VS Code

   

   3. Type a name for your app and press Enter. Or just press Enter and Elements names it for you.

   VS Code

   

   Your app opens in VS Code with the chat and a terminal.

6. 6Start your app

   Type elements start in the terminal and press Enter.

   VS Code

   

   Your app opens in VS Code's browser, with the terminal below it and the chat beside it.

   VS Code

   

7. 7Build with your agent

   Type what you want to build in the chat and press Enter. For example: Build a todo app with email and password login.

   VS Code

   

   The agent builds it while you watch.

   VS Code

   

   When it's done, your new app is running in VS Code's browser.

   VS Code