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

# Creating Sessions

> Learn how to create new sessions in Open Canva. Step-by-step guide to creating, naming, and setting up sessions for your image generation work.

## Creating a new session

Creating a session is simple and quick. Here's how to get started:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access the sessions sidebar">
    Look for the sessions sidebar on the left side of the interface. This shows all your existing sessions and folders.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click 'New Session'">
    Find and click the "New Session" button (usually a plus icon or button at the top of the sidebar).

    <Info>
      You can also use keyboard shortcuts if available. Check the shortcuts guide for details.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name your session">
    Enter a descriptive name for your session. Good names help you find and organize your work later.

    **Good session names:**

    * "Client Project - Website Images"
    * "Character Design Exploration"
    * "Social Media Campaign - Q4"
    * "Personal Art - Nature Series"

    **Less helpful names:**

    * "Session 1"
    * "Test"
    * "New"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start generating">
    Once created, your session is active and ready. Start generating images, and they'll be saved to this session automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Naming best practices

### Be descriptive

Choose names that clearly indicate the session's purpose:

* **Project-based**: Include project name or identifier
* **Purpose-based**: Describe what you're creating
* **Client-based**: Include client name if applicable
* **Date-based**: Add dates for time-sensitive work

### Use consistent conventions

Establish a naming pattern that works for you:

* **Format examples**:
  * `[Project] - [Purpose]`
  * `[Client] - [Date]`
  * `[Category] - [Description]`

### Keep it concise

While being descriptive, keep names reasonably short for easy scanning in your sidebar.

## Session options

### Creating in folders

You can create sessions directly within folders:

1. Navigate to or create the desired folder
2. Create a new session within that folder
3. The session will be organized under that folder

<Card title="Organizing Sessions" icon="folder" href="/sessions/organizing">
  Learn more about folder organization.
</Card>

### Default session

If you don't select a session, Open Canva may create a default session or prompt you to create one before generating.

## Tips for session creation

<Tip>
  **Create before generating**: Set up your session structure before starting to generate images.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Use templates**: If you have recurring project types, create a naming template to follow.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Rename later**: You can always rename sessions if you need to adjust the name.
</Tip>

## Managing sessions

### Renaming sessions

To rename an existing session:

1. Right-click or use the session menu
2. Select "Rename"
3. Enter the new name
4. Save changes

### Deleting sessions

To delete a session:

1. Right-click or use the session menu
2. Select "Delete"
3. Confirm deletion

<Warning>
  Deleting a session removes all generations within it. Make sure you've downloaded any images you want to keep.
</Warning>

## Related guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Sessions Overview" icon="info" href="/sessions/introduction">
    Learn more about what sessions are and why to use them.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Organizing Sessions" icon="folder" href="/sessions/organizing">
    Learn how to organize sessions with folders and structure.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Session History" icon="clock" href="/sessions/history">
    View and manage your session history.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keyboard Shortcuts" icon="keyboard" href="/features/shortcuts">
    Learn shortcuts for faster session management.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>