# Workspaces and repositories

> Choose where files live and how changes are isolated.

Source: https://usefiretower.com/docs/workspaces

Start from **Workspaces → New workspace**. You can begin with a repository, or leave it empty and add code later.

![The new-work composer with the repository picker open](https://usefiretower.com/product/guide-workspace-no-repo-light.webp)

The new-work composer with the repository picker open. Desktop app · sample data. Select to enlarge.

## 1\. Choose whether to use a repository

For coding work, select **Add a repository**, then choose one or more repositories. Select its branch if you need a different starting point. Check the machine before sending your task.

![A repository selected before starting work](https://usefiretower.com/product/guide-workspace-with-repo-light.webp)

A repository selected before starting work. Desktop app · sample data. Select to enlarge.

## 2\. Start without a repository

For research, reports or other file-based work, leave every repository unselected. The picker confirms **No repository: a bare workspace with no code in it.** Close the picker and send your request.

You still get a working directory and the Files panel. Download individual files or folders when you need a local copy. Git diff and shipping become useful once you add a repository.

## 3\. Add a repository after work has started

Open the repository control at the top of the workspace. It shows the current repository names, or **No repository**. Choose **Add a repository to this workspace**.

![Add repositories inside an existing workspace](https://usefiretower.com/product/guide-workspace-add-later-light.webp)

Add repositories inside an existing workspace. Desktop app · sample data. Select to enlarge.

Select the repositories and their starting branches, then click **Check in**. Firetower clones them beside the existing files and tells the agent where they are. Continue in the same conversation.

## Share the place, own the conversation

People with workspace access can inspect shared work. Each agent conversation belongs to its initiator. A colleague can start their own agent in the workspace.

**Save outputs before ending the workspace**

Ending a workspace can remove its working files and conversations. Ship code or export files you need to keep.