Quick start

Open a project

• To open an existing local project, click Open and navigate to the project folder on your computer.

• To clone a project from Git:

  1. Click Clone from Git.

  2. In the Source URL field, enter the URL of the Git repository.

  3. In the Location field, specify the path where you want to store the cloned repository.

  

Configure task settings

Before running the task, you can configure the execution environment, AI model, and permissions.

1. JetBrains Air supports three execution environments:

   Select the execution environment:

   • Git Worktree: creates a separate working branch of the repository. This mode provides isolation from your main branch while still using your local environment. Note that you may need to reinstall project dependencies or repeat location-specific setup for every new task.

   • Docker: runs in an isolated container. You must have Docker Desktop installed and a valid license to use it. This mode offers complete isolation for code changes and tools. Isolation means that all edits, commands, and dependencies stay inside the container and do not affect your local workspace or system environment.

   • Local Workspace: runs directly in your current workspace. This mode has the fastest startup and uses your existing environment, but changes are applied to your project folder. It does not provide isolation.

   

2. Click the Agent and Model drop-down menu and select the AI model you want to use.

   

3. Select a Permission Mode to control how the agent asks for approval before editing files or running commands. Permission mode options depend on agent type.

   • Ask Permission: prompts for permission on the first use of each tool.

   • Auto-Edit: automatically accepts file edit permissions.

   • Plan: analyzes code without editing files or running commands.

   • Full Access: skips all permission prompts.

   

Add context to the task

• You can add context to the task prompt in several ways:

  1. Click the Add context button to attach specific items. You can add:

     • Files and Folders: reference files and folders from your workspace.

     • Git Branches: reference a specific branch.

     • Git Commits: reference a specific commit.

     • Local Changes: reference changed files from the History tool.

     • MCP Server: connect an MCP server to provide extra tools.

     • Terminals: reference a specific terminal tab.

     • Upload from Computer: upload files from your computer.

     

  2. Add symbol mentions through the @ menu. Use the Symbols submenu to reference symbols from the current file or from the project.

  3. Select code in the editor and click Add to Task on the floating toolbar to attach the selected code.

     

  4. Add a code snippet manually by typing it inside triple backticks (```).

     

View the list of tasks

• To view the list of tasks in your current project, press Command+1. You can also click the Tasks menu icon.

  

Add a new task

• Press Command+\ and click the New Task button.

• Click the New Task icon ().

Provide feedback to an agent

1. Navigate to View | Changes.

2. Select the type of diff to display. You can choose between:

   • Unified: the old and current versions of the file appear on a single page.

     

   • Side-by-side: the page shows the old version on the left panel and the current version on the right panel.

     

3. Select the code that you want to change and click Add comment in the popup.

4. Type your prompt for the agent. The comment is added to the chat as part of a future task.

   

Commit and push your changes

1. Navigate to View | Changes.

2. In the Changes tool, select the files that you want to commit.

3. In the commit message field, type a description of the changes.

4. Click Commit.

5. Navigate to View | History. Alternatively, click the History icon on the tools panel.

6. In the History tool, click Push. If this is your first push, JetBrains Air may ask for a GitHub token. Click the Generate link to create a token on GitHub. The minimum required permissions are set automatically, and you do not need to change them.