Project and repository access
Open a folder containing an existing web project or clone a repository from a Git URL. The Explorer, quick-open, and project search tools support navigation across the codebase.
Shape
Freemium
Shape is a desktop IDE that combines code editing, local project workflows, visual design inspection, Git tools, and AI chat for designers and programmers.
What is Shape?
Shape is a desktop IDE for working on web projects with code, visual design, local development, Git, and AI assistance in one workbench. Users can open an existing folder or clone a repository, inspect project files, install dependencies, run package scripts, and preview a local application in an integrated Browser tab.
Its core purpose is to let designers and programmers move between source files, a running local page, project diagnostics, version-control changes, and AI-assisted editing without changing development environments. The documented workflow is local-first: projects run through the user's package manager and development server, while the IDE provides the editing, preview, design inspection, and chat surfaces.
What can Shape do?
Integrated terminal and script runner
Install dependencies with npm, pnpm, yarn, or bun, then run project scripts from the terminal or the titlebar Scripts menu. A local development server can expose the app for preview.
Browser preview with design mode
Open a local URL in the integrated Browser tab and use design mode to inspect the live page. Palette and design controls can be used to apply layout or color changes to source.
AI chat with Ask and Code modes
Ask mode provides read-only answers about the open project. In Code mode, the agent can search, edit, and run checks; users can attach files, folders, the codebase, or a selection and review edits with Keep or Undo.
Code editing and diagnostics
Edit and save project files with familiar navigation and search commands, then inspect TypeScript or ESLint reports in the Problems panel. The quick start also documents format-on-save and editor configuration.
Git workflow tools
Stage individual hunks from a diff tab and use Git Manager for pull requests and checks, keeping common repository tasks alongside editing and preview.
Use Cases
“Modify an existing web project”
Open a folder or cloned repository, install its dependencies, start the development script, and make a small source change while viewing the result in the Browser tab.
“Inspect a codebase with AI before editing”
Use Ask mode to ask what an entry file or another part of the project does, receiving an answer without applying changes. This is suited to understanding unfamiliar code before making a change.
“Tune a page visually while working in source”
Run the project locally, open its local URL in the Browser, and use design mode to inspect the rendered page and apply supported layout or color changes to the underlying source.
“Review AI-generated code changes”
Use Code mode to search the project, make edits, and run checks in one conversation, then review proposed changes with Keep or Undo before retaining them.
“Prepare and review repository changes”
Use the editor and diagnostics while developing, then stage selected diff hunks and access Git Manager for pull requests and checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of application is Shape?
Shape is a desktop IDE for designers and programmers. It combines code editing, local development, visual design inspection, Git tools, and AI chat.
How do I start a project in Shape?
From the welcome screen, choose Open Project or File → Open Folder and select a folder containing the project. You can also choose Clone Repository, paste a Git URL, and select a parent folder.
Can Shape run a local web project?
Yes. Open the terminal, install dependencies with the package manager expected by the project, and run a script such as npm run dev. Enter the resulting local URL in Shape's Browser tab.
Can AI make changes to my files?
Yes. In Code mode, the agent can search, edit, and run checks in the same thread. Proposed edits can be reviewed with Keep or Undo. Ask mode is read-only and does not apply edits.
What plans does Shape offer?
The pricing page lists Free, Plus, Pro, and Max plans. Free includes the Auto model, a monthly Auto token pool, and a local-first desktop editor; paid plans list monthly credits, access to all models, and additional plan-specific benefits.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer Tool; Design Tool; AI Chat
- Platform
- Desktop IDE
- Primary users
- Designers and programmers
- Core workflow
- Open or clone a project, run it locally, edit source, preview, and use AI chat
- Plans
- Free, Plus, Pro, and Max
- Source domain
- useshape.org
Shape Traffic Analysis
Traffic data is for reference only.
- Domain Rating
- 2
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