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Getting Started

When you first open Coeus, it runs you through a short setup wizard. Here's what each step does.

Step 1: Pick a notes folder​

Coeus asks where to store your notes. This is just a regular folder on your computer. All your notes will be Markdown files inside it.

You can pick an existing folder (like a Dropbox folder or a folder you already use with Obsidian) or create a new one. Coeus won't delete or overwrite files that are already there.

You also pick a visual theme here. You can change it later in Settings.

Step 2: Connect an AI provider​

This is what lets you ask questions about your notes.

You'll see a few options:

  • ACP Agents: Connects to an agent that runs locally on your machine (like Claude Code or Codex if you have them installed). Good if you already use one of these.
  • OpenAI-compatible API: Works with OpenAI, any OpenAI-compatible endpoint, or local models like Ollama.
  • Claude Code: Uses your Claude Code subscription. If you have one, this is a solid choice.
  • Coeus Cloud: A hosted option that doesn't require you to bring your own keys.

You can skip this step and add a provider later in Settings → AI Providers. Basic notes and search work without any AI connected.

Step 3: Optional features​

Three optional features you can turn on now (or later):

Semantic search: Lets you search your notes by meaning instead of exact words. Requires an embedding model. You point it at an OpenAI-compatible API endpoint and give it a model name.

Voice input: Lets you dictate notes by clicking the mic button in the chat bar. Coeus transcribes what you say and either sends it to the AI or drops it into a note. You can use a local model (downloaded to your machine, nothing sent anywhere) or OpenAI's transcription API.

Telegram bot: Connects Coeus to a Telegram bot you create. Then you can send yourself messages from your phone and they show up as notes. Instructions are in the Telegram setup guide.

Step 4: Finishing up​

Coeus syncs your notes folder, sets up templates for common note types, and downloads any model you opted into. This takes a moment.

When it's done, you're in the main window.

The main window​

The main window has three parts:

  • Sidebar on the left: your notes, organized by type. Click any note to open it. Use the search bar at the top to find notes.
  • Note panel in the center: the note you're reading or editing. Click Edit to make changes.
  • Chat bar at the bottom: where you talk to the AI. Type a question and press Enter.

If you're not sure what to try first, click one of the suggestion chips in the middle of the screen: "What have I been working on?" or "Create a meeting note." Those are good starting points.