> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vercel.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up your first Azul sync project in Studio

> Learn the two main workflows: start syncing a Studio place to local files, or push existing local files into Studio using azul build.

Azul supports two starting points depending on where your work currently lives. If your place lives in Studio and you want a local mirror, follow the sync session workflow. If you already have scripts and assets on disk and want to create matching instances in Studio, use the build workflow. Both approaches give you the same live sync experience once they're running.

## Start a new sync session

This is the most common workflow. Your place in Studio is the source of truth, and Azul creates a local mirror that stays in sync as you work.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create or open a local folder">
    Create a new empty folder (or open an existing one) where you want your project files to live. Open that folder in your terminal.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the daemon">
    Run `azul` in the project folder:

    ```bash theme={null}
    azul
    ```

    The daemon starts and waits for a Studio connection. You'll see a message in the terminal indicating it's ready.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open your place in Studio">
    Open the target Roblox place in Roblox Studio. This can be a new place or any existing one.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect the plugin">
    In Studio, open the **Plugins** toolbar and click **Connect** in the Azul plugin. The daemon and plugin handshake, and your DataModel structure is written to the local folder immediately.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm sync is working">
    Make a test edit — for example, create a Script inside `ServerScriptService` in Studio. Confirm that a matching file appears in your local folder within a moment. You're now live.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Build from an existing local project

Use this workflow when you already have Luau files on disk and want to create or overwrite matching instances in Studio.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the local project folder">
    Navigate to the folder that contains your existing local files.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run azul build">
    ```bash theme={null}
    azul build
    ```

    Azul will display a summary of what it intends to create or overwrite and prompt you to confirm before proceeding.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the prompt">
    Review the listed changes in your terminal and confirm to proceed. Azul creates or updates the corresponding instances in Studio.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect in Studio">
    Open your place in Roblox Studio and click **Connect** in the Azul plugin to begin the live sync session.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  `azul build` creates or overwrites instances that match your local files, but it does **not** delete unrelated instances that already exist in your place. If you want a completely clean slate, open a new empty place before running `azul build`.
</Note>

## Next steps

* Read [Commands](/commands) for the full reference on `azul push`, `azul pack`, and CLI flags.
* Read [Configuration](/configuration) to tune sync behavior and daemon defaults.
* Read [Advanced usage](/advanced-usage) for per-place configuration and multi-project workflows.