# Virtual & Local Modes

_LOFTai › Getting Started_

## Overview

Each project has a **file mode** that decides where its files live and how you reach them. You set it in Project Settings (General tab), and it's also chosen the first time you create a project.

## Virtual (cloud)

-   Files are stored and served from the Loft server
-   Works in any browser — no client software required
-   Generation runs on Loft's model keys and is billed to your credit balance
-   Libraries in the sidebar map to your project's asset categories

## Local

-   Files live in a folder on your computer or a shared drive
-   Requires the LoftDesktop app, which serves file bytes and thumbnails from that folder
-   A "Files" entry appears under LIBRARIES to browse the folder directly (see the Files Browser topic)
-   You can generate on your own provider keys (BYOK), or have the server generate and deliver results back into the local folder
-   Configure the drive path (e.g. Z:\\Projects\\PROJECT0002) and the publish folder name (default "pub") in Settings

Note: Local mode needs LoftDesktop running. In a plain browser, a Local project's files won't be reachable.

Note: Inside LoftDesktop, the new-window button next to Back/Forward (or Ctrl+N, ⌘N on Mac) opens another app window on the same page, signed in as you. Links that open a new tab still go to your web browser.

Note: LoftDesktop updates itself: new versions download in the background and apply the next time you start the app. An "Update ready" button appears in the header when one is waiting; your account menu shows the version and has "Check for updates".

## Choosing at first run

When you have no project yet, the onboarding screen asks **"How do you want to start?"** with two cards — "Work with local files" (point Loft at a folder; requires LoftDesktop) and "Create a virtual project" (a cloud project you build in the browser). In a plain browser the local-files card links to the desktop Downloads page (Portal → your account → Download Desktop) rather than being disabled. You can change a project's mode later in Settings.