> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://resources.latex-cloud-studio.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Start a Project and Import Files

> Create a new LaTeX Cloud Studio project, start from a template, or import existing files through ZIP upload or GitHub.

<Info>
  **Status**: Live\
  **Last reviewed**: March 8, 2026\
  **Primary docs**: [Projects, Files & Templates](/product/projects-files-and-templates), [GitHub Sync & Import/Export](/product/github-sync-import-export)
</Info>

Use this task guide when you need to create a fresh project or move an existing LaTeX project into the editor.

## Start From Scratch

1. Open the project creation flow.
2. Choose a blank project if you want full control from the first file.
3. Choose a template if you want a prebuilt structure for an article, thesis, CV, or presentation.

## Import Existing Work

### ZIP workflow

1. Export your project from the source tool as a ZIP archive.
2. Upload the archive into LaTeX Cloud Studio.
3. Verify that `main.tex`, images, `.bib`, `.cls`, and `.sty` files are present.
4. Compile once before making structural edits.

### GitHub workflow

1. Use the GitHub import flow when the project already lives in a repository.
2. Select the repository and branch.
3. Import the files and run a first compile.

## Important Boundary

<Warning>
  Direct account-to-account Overleaf import is not part of the current public workflow. Use ZIP export from Overleaf instead.
</Warning>

## Next Steps

* Set up collaboration with [Invite Collaborators and Use Comments](/product/tasks/invite-collaborators-and-use-comments)
* Connect repository sync with [Connect GitHub and Run Sync](/product/tasks/connect-github-and-run-sync)
* Recover from import issues with [Fix Build and Access Issues](/product/tasks/fix-build-and-access-issues)
* Need a public overview page for teammates or stakeholders? Use the migration guide on the website: [Migrate to LaTeX Cloud Studio](https://www.latex-cloud-studio.com/migrate)