# Start Dev Container from scratch

> **TL;DR**
> Check [Prerequisites](prerequisites-for-dev-containers.html) and [Limitations](dev-container-limitations.html)

You can create a new Dev Container using a `devcontainer.json` file and the [configuration](https://containers.dev/implementors/json_reference/) options it offers.

The easiest way to start is to pull an image (a predefined template) for your `devcontainer.json` file from a container registry (the collection of repositories with the predefined images).

Procedure: Create a Dev Container

1. Open a project in IntelliJ IDEA.

2. In the [Project](creating-and-managing-projects.html) view, right-click the name of your project and select New | Dev Container Config.

3. In the dialog that opens, IntelliJ IDEA displays a default container configuration. If you want, you can select other Dev Container templates from the Dev Container Template list.

![Create a new Dev Container](https://resources.jetbrains.com.cn/help/img/idea/2026.2/create_new_dev_container.png)

4. Click OK.

IntelliJ IDEA generates the .devcontainer directory with the devcontainer.json file that contains the container description. You can customize the configuration as needed.

![Dev Container result](https://resources.jetbrains.com.cn/help/img/idea/2026.2/create_dev_container_result.png)

5. In the left gutter, click ![Create Dev Container](https://resources.jetbrains.com.cn/help/img/idea/2026.2/clouds-docker-gateway.icons.devContainers.svg) and select Create Dev Container and Mount Sources… to build your Dev Container.