> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://012e27a-docs-2.manicule.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
> For every page in one file, fetch https://012e27a-docs-2.manicule.dev/llms-full.txt (large).
> To search and read these docs as tools, connect the MCP server at https://012e27a-docs-2.manicule.dev/api/mcp.
> Every agent surface: https://012e27a-docs-2.manicule.dev/.well-known/llms-manifest.json

# Import Existing Projects (/getting-started/import-projects)

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Related: [Download & Install Desktop Workspace](/getting-started/installation.md)

> Continue building existing GitHub or GitLab repositories in the Desktop Workspace or Cloud Studio.

Bring an existing codebase into either surface — local folders on the desktop, or remote
repositories in the browser.

## Desktop Workspace

Because the desktop app runs natively, importing is instantaneous:

<Steps>
<Step title="Open the app">Launch **BhaiCode Desktop**.</Step>

<Step title="Open a folder">Click **Open folder** on the welcome screen, or press `Cmd + O` / `Ctrl + O`.</Step>

<Step title="Pick any project">Select the folder containing your project.</Step>

<Step title="Let BhaiCode read it">It reads your project tree, `.gitignore`, dependencies, and Git history.</Step>
</Steps>

<Warning title="Your Git stays intact">BhaiCode respects your branches, remotes, and commit history. It never modifies your
`.git` directory without explicit permission.</Warning>

## Cloud Studio

To import a remote repository into the browser studio:

<Steps>
<Step title="Connect GitHub or GitLab">Link your account through [Connectors](/connectors/github).</Step>

<Step title="Import">On the [dashboard](https://app.bhaico.de), click **New project** → **Import repository**.</Step>

<Step title="Pick a repository and branch">Select the repo and the branch you want to work on (for example `main`).</Step>

<Step title="Add environment variables">Provide any API keys or secrets the project needs.</Step>

<Step title="Open the studio">Click **Import & open studio**.</Step>
</Steps>

Cloud Studio clones the tree, detects your framework configuration, starts the live preview,
and hands Bhai the full codebase context.

<Tip>Imported projects keep their Git remote. Use [version control](/studio/version-control) to
commit and open a pull request without leaving the studio.</Tip>