# Your first project

When logged in, to start a new project in the project dashboard, click the **New Project** button. You will see a drop-down menu.

<figure><img src="/files/VnKrdsPvXuSyWfFfA3io" alt="Overleaf platform menu with a green &#x27;New project&#x27; button. Options listed are Blank project, Example project, Upload project, and Import from GitHub" width="211"><figcaption><p>Main page, New Project button</p></figcaption></figure>

Two quick options for getting started are to begin with a **Blank Project** or the **Example Project**.

## Starting with a blank project

Click **Blank project**. A box will open where you can enter the name of your new project, then click **Create**.

<figure><img src="/files/PKzscGJBrKk86Ltyeev6" alt="A dialog box titled &#x22;New project&#x22; is overlaid on an interface that shows options like &#x22;Blank project.&#x22; An input field named &#x22;Project Name&#x22; is active, with &#x22;Cancel&#x22; and a disabled &#x22;Create&#x22; button below, indicating project creation in progress."><figcaption><p>Chose Blank Project and provide a project name</p></figcaption></figure>

The Overleaf Editor will open.

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/jVgwyPerT3Cnm8WZhnUw" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="/files/oKCJOiwPxr5PqqyiFv2w" alt="Image of a blank project in the Overleaf Editor"></picture><figcaption><p>A blank project in the Overleaf Editor</p></figcaption></figure>

A new document is created with some basic information already filled in. You can now start editing your .tex file. To view the changes, click **Recompile**. For more information on how to create a basic LaTeX document, see [Learn LaTeX in 30 minutes](https://www.overleaf.com/learn/latex/Learn_LaTeX_in_30_minutes).

## Starting with the example project

Another option to start a new project is to use an Example project. In the Project Dashboard page, click the button **New project** and in the drop-down menu, click **Example project.**

You will see a text box where you can enter the name of your new project. Now click **Create** and you will be redirected to the editor where a sample document will open.

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/80lZnKEYYZAxY6ScWb0B" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="/files/faugWMziC3UgmDGWjxlQ" alt="Image of the example project in the Overleaf Editor"></picture><figcaption><p>The example project in the Overleaf Editor</p></figcaption></figure>

This sample document contains an image inside a float element and a basic bibliography file. You can use this sample as a guide to begin editing your project.

### Your first LaTeX document

To learn more about the LaTeX code to include in your first project, please read: [Learn LaTeX in 30 minutes](https://www.overleaf.com/learn/latex/Learn_LaTeX_in_30_minutes).


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