# Set up a research project

Start with a manuscript, research folders, and an initial task in LaTeX, Typst, or Markdown.

A research project gives your manuscript a place to grow. Choose a study starter, preview the folders it will create, and begin with a concrete research task.

![Research project setup brings the question, working title, and project structure together.](https://cdn.oleafly.com/images/screenshots/desktop/docs/research-project-dark-window-v2.png)

## Choose a starter

Choose **New project → Research project** in the library and enter a name. Choose **LaTeX**, **Typst**, or **Markdown**, then choose the study starter:

| Starter | Use it for |
| --- | --- |
| Article | A paper organized around methods, results, and discussion |
| Literature review | A source-led review with scope, themes, and evidence gaps |
| Thesis | A longer study with background and chapter structure |
| Reproducible analysis | A manuscript with data provenance, environment notes, and separate outputs |

## Preview the project

The setup preview shows the files and folders before creation. Check the document engine, manuscript structure, and initial task. Choose **Create and open project** when the starting point fits your work.

Your manuscript remains the main document. Research notes, review material, and generated figures live in ordinary project folders.

## Bring in existing material

Use [linked folders](/docs/linked-folders/) for a dataset, analysis directory, or collection of reference PDFs that already lives elsewhere. Links give the research tools read access without moving the originals.

For an existing manuscript, [import the source project](/docs/import-project/) and add the research material around it.

## Start the first task

Open **Research workspace → Tasks**. Choose a starter such as a literature review or evidence audit, set the scope, and select an agent. The task works on a separate copy; you review its results before applying files to the manuscript.

[Create and review a task →](/docs/research-tasks/)