> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bert.gitbook.io/bert-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bert.gitbook.io/bert-documentation/getting-started/creating-your-first-system/step-1-starting-a-new-project.md).

# Step 1: Starting a New Project

When you first open BERT, you'll be presented with a blank canvas containing a main system circle.

1. This circle represents your system of interest
2. Notice the subtle gray ring around the system - this shows your system boundary
3. You can begin working immediately with this blank system
4. If you want to open an existing project instead, press `Ctrl+L`

The gray boundary ring helps you visualize where your system ends and its environment begins. As you zoom in and out (using `=` and `-` keys), this boundary stays properly positioned with your system.

<figure><img src="/files/N7jkR1jHpzT7TKdgmU0m" alt="" width="371"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>