> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://astronomer.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import CLI projects to the Astro IDE

<Info>
  **Preview**

  This feature is in [Preview](/docs/astro/feature-previews).
</Info>

Import an existing project into the Astro IDE by uploading a local CLI project.

## Connect a CLI project

### Prerequisites

* A [local Astro project](/docs/cli/v1.43/develop-project#create-an-astro-project) directory that you want to import.
* The [Astro CLI](/docs/cli/v1.43/install-cli) installed and authenticated locally.
* [Workspace Author](/docs/astro/user-permissions) permissions.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Astro IDE">
    From the Astro UI main menu, select **Astro IDE**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Projects tab">
    Click **Projects** to open the Projects tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click &#x22;+ Add Project&#x22;">
    Click **+ Add Project**, then select **Import CLI Project** from the dropdown menu.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run the export command in your terminal">
    Copy the command from the dialog and run it in your terminal from the root of your existing Astro CLI project directory. This command uploads your local project files to the Astro IDE:

    ```sh wrap theme={null}
    astro ide project export
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Refresh to complete import">
    Return to the Astro IDE and refresh the page to see your imported project.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Start a new session with your imported project

After importing your project, you can start a new session with it.

### Prerequisites

You need to have an imported project in the Astro IDE. Follow the steps in [Connect a CLI project](#connect-a-cli-project) to import a CLI project if you haven't already.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Astro IDE">
    From the Astro UI main menu, select **Astro IDE**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Projects tab">
    Click **Projects** to open the Projects tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your imported project">
    Click **New Session** next to the project you imported to start a new session with that project.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  **Resume a previous session**

  Once you have created a session with your imported project, you can close it, and later resume it. In the Astro IDE, go to the **Sessions** tab, and click the session you want to resume.
</Tip>