> For the index of every page in Orbital's docs, read https://docs.beta.runorbital.dev/llms.txt.

# Start a run

> Give a project a goal, pick a workflow and start a run

You start a [run](/runs/) from the Start page: you pick a project, write a goal and choose a workflow. The run then carries out that one workflow for that one project, towards that goal.

## Before you start

You need a [project](/projects/create-a-project/) and a [harness](/harnesses/) that is set up. A run whose harness is missing stops and waits on you.

## Start a run from the app

1. **Open the Start page.**

   Choose **New task** in the sidebar.

2. **Check the project.**

   The project shows at the top. Choose it to pick another, or press ⌘K.

3. **Leave the switch on Workflow.**

   The switch sits under the text box. Set to **Chat**, it starts a [chat](/chats/) instead.

4. **Write the goal.**

   In the text box that reads "Describe what the run should achieve", type what the run should achieve.

5. **Choose a workflow and fill in its inputs.**

   The strip offers up to three workflows: the ones this project runs most, then the default. **Choose a workflow** lists every workflow the project offers, with its description. If the workflow has inputs, fill them in. For example, `implement-ticket` asks for a "Ticket URL".

6. **Pick a harness and model, if you want.**

   **Default harness** follows the workflow and your settings. Steps whose role or model settings name their own harness keep that harness whatever you pick.

7. **Choose Start run.**

![The Start page asking what to do in a project, with the goal box, the harness picker, the workflow picker and the Chat and Workflow switch.](/screenshots/start-page.webp?v=0428f5d705)

*The goal box, with the workflow and harness pickers beneath it.*

## If you choose no workflow

The run uses the workflow the project ran last. If the project has never run one, it uses the **Default workflow** in [Settings](/reference/settings/#general).

## What happens next

The new run joins the [queue](/runs/queue/) and starts when a run slot is free. Follow it on the [run page](/runs/watch-a-run/).

## Other ways to start a run

You can also start a run without opening the app.

| From | How |
| --- | --- |
| A terminal | [`orbital run start`](/reference/command/#orbital-run-start) |
| A coding agent | Over [MCP](/mcp/connect/) |
| An event or a schedule | A [trigger](/triggers/) |

## Related

- [Runs](/runs/): what a run is and the standings it moves through.
- [Watch a run](/runs/watch-a-run/): follow the run you started.
- [The run queue](/runs/queue/): when a queued run starts.
- [Permissions](/roles/#permissions): what a run asks you before its agent acts, on each harness.
- [Start your first run](/get-started/first-run/): a guided first run for new users.