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Quick Start

This guide walks through writing, previewing, and sending your first post from an existing repository.

Before you start​

  • The desktop app is installed and you are signed in
  • At least one repository is added to the app
  • The repo has been initialised with npx @postlane/cli init (or you have a .postlane/ directory already)

1. Create a draft​

Open your IDE in the repository and run /draft-post. Postlane reads your recent git context and generates a draft for each configured platform.

Once the draft is written, switch to the Postlane desktop app. Select the repository from the left sidebar -- the new draft will appear in the Drafts tab. A dot in the repo row confirms the watcher is active and picked up the file.

2. Review a draft​

Click a draft to open the post editor. You will see:

  • The generated text alongside a preview for each platform
  • Character counts and any platform-specific warnings
  • The source commit that generated it

From here you can:

  • Edit the text directly -- click into any platform's text area and type. Changes save automatically.
  • Customise per platform -- each channel (LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, etc.) has its own version of the post. Adjust tone, length, and hashtags independently for each audience.
  • Add or change images -- attach an image from your machine, or search Unsplash and other royalty-free sources directly from the editor.

3. Approve and send​

Click Approve to mark the post as ready. If you have a scheduling provider connected, the post is handed to the provider with a scheduled time -- you can close the desktop app after approving; the provider's server handles delivery at the right time. If no provider is connected, click Send now.

4. Check Published​

Switch to the Published tab to see what has gone out and when.

Next steps​

  • Scheduling — connect a provider and automate timing
  • Analytics — track engagement after posts go live