intellij-sdk-code-samples/topics/basics/getting_started/creating_plugin_project.md

For new projects, it is highly recommended to use Gradle.

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This section explains how you can create a new plugin project from scratch using the New Project wizard. Optionally, you can import an existing project or import a project from external models. You can also add a new plugin module to a current IntelliJ Platform project. For more information, refer to the IntelliJ IDEA Web Help.

To Create an IntelliJ Platform Plugin Project:

• On the main menu, choose File | New | Project. The New Project wizard starts.
• Set IntelliJ Platform Plugin project type.
• Click Next.
• Set the desired project name.
• Click Finish to generate project structure files.
• Go to File | Project Structure to customize project settings if required.

To Create an IntelliJ Platform Plugin Module

• Select File | New | Module and choose the IntelliJ Platform Plugin module type
  
  
• Enter your desired plugin name.
• Go to File | Project Structure and select the newly created IntelliJ Platform SDK as the default SDK for the plugin module:

Adding Code to the Project

Before running the new project, add some code to provide simple functionality. See the Creating Actions tutorial for step-by-step instructions for adding a menu action.