# Choose your workspace

On first use, select a directory in **Choose workspace directory**. Browse folders or enter an absolute path and click **Open directory**. The CLI directory is a starting location for the picker, not permission to automatically load every file in the current directory.

[![Studio directory picker with an explicit local directory and Open directory button](https://docs.openbacktesting.com/_static/studio/choose-workspace.png)](../_static/studio/choose-workspace.png)

*The screenshots use an isolated directory containing copies of the repository's example strategies. Your directory path and run IDs will differ.*

Studio remembers the chosen path in browser localStorage (`studio.workspace`). Reloading or restarting at the same address restores it. A different port, hostname, browser profile, or cleared browser storage has separate preferences. If the directory no longer exists, choose another one.

Use the folder button beside **Workspace** to switch directories after saving edits and finishing or cancelling active work. Search the file list by name or path. Each directory keeps its own run history.