Welcome to the Haiku User Guide

Below, you'll find the documentation of the most important aspects of Haiku. Naturally, completing and extending the documentation is a continuing process. If you find errors, would like to suggest topics or maybe even contribute yourself or help with translations of the user guide, please file a bugreport or get in touch on the documentation mailing list.


Boot Loader Set safe boot options to solve configuration problems.
Filesystem layout Understand the filesystem hierarchy and get familiar with important file locations and folders.
Haiku's GUI Learn about the basic elements of the graphical user interface.
Workspaces Use virtual desktops for an uncluttered work environment.
Twitcher Switch between running applications.
Team Monitor Kill unresponsive applications or system components.
Tracker Learn all about navigating, working with files and folders and how to configure Haiku's file manager.
Shortcuts and key combinations The most common shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
Deskbar Use and configure Haiku's version of the "Start" menu and taskbar.
Filetypes Set default applications, change file types and create your own.
Attributes One of Haiku's main features lets you manage and add any kind of data to any file.
Index Use indexing to be able to search for attributes.
Queries Use Haiku's lightning fast queries to quickly find what you're looking for.
Workshop: Filetypes, Attributes, Index and Queries Learn to use some of Haiku's key features by organizing your DVDs.
Applications Learn how to un/install applications in general and how work with the ones that come with Haiku.
Desktop Applets Simple tools to install on your Desktop and Deskbar.
Preferences Configuring and setting up your system.
Bash and Scripting Learn of some interesting scripts used by the system and about online resources for working in the shell and scripting.