fix: open a default workspace when sessions are empty

refs #366

4 files changed, 4 insertions, 3 deletions

diff --git a/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md b/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md
index 32b61d17..fb4e4cb2 100644
--- a/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 ## Unreleased
 
 ### Fixed
+- Starting Herdr with no restored workspaces, or closing the last workspace, now opens a default workspace instead of leaving the client on an empty screen where direct keybindings such as `cmd+n` were shown but ignored. (#366)
 - Resizing restored panes no longer aborts the server when libghostty-vt reflows a terminal whose pre-resize cursor row is past the new height. (#465)
 - Full-screen TUIs such as Neovim now receive resize-generated terminal responses after Herdr internal pane resizes, so grown panes redraw without waiting for extra input. (#471)
 
diff --git a/docs/next/README.md b/docs/next/README.md
index 031765d8..e15162ad 100644
--- a/docs/next/README.md
+++ b/docs/next/README.md
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ Start Herdr in the directory where the work lives:
 herdr
 ```
 
-Herdr starts or attaches to one background session server. Press `ctrl+b`, then `shift+n` to create a workspace. Run an agent in the root pane. Press `ctrl+b`, then `v` or `minus` to split panes, `ctrl+b`, then `c` to create a tab, and `ctrl+b`, then `w` to switch workspaces.
+Herdr starts or attaches to one background session server. When a session has no workspaces, Herdr opens one automatically. Run an agent in the root pane. Press `ctrl+b`, then `shift+n` to create another workspace, `ctrl+b`, then `v` or `minus` to split panes, `ctrl+b`, then `c` to create a tab, and `ctrl+b`, then `w` to switch workspaces.
 
 Press `ctrl+b q` to detach the client. The server and pane processes keep running. Open another terminal and run `herdr` again to reattach.
 
diff --git a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx
index 7dc5c6fc..f2159950 100644
--- a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx
+++ b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ Set the working directory policy for new panes, tabs, and workspaces:
 new_cwd = "follow"
 ```
 
-`new_cwd = "follow"` keeps the default behavior and inherits the source pane or workspace. Use `"home"` to always start in `$HOME`, `"current"` to use Herdr's process directory, or a fixed path such as `"~/Projects"`. Explicit `--cwd` values from the CLI or socket API still take precedence.
+`new_cwd = "follow"` keeps the default behavior and inherits the source pane or workspace. When there is no source workspace, Herdr starts in `$HOME`. Use `"home"` to always start in `$HOME`, `"current"` to use Herdr's process directory, or a fixed path such as `"~/Projects"`. Explicit `--cwd` values from the CLI or socket API still take precedence.
 
 ## Worktrees
 
diff --git a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/quick-start.mdx b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/quick-start.mdx
index 80563260..b6869add 100644
--- a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/quick-start.mdx
+++ b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/quick-start.mdx
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ For the local, SSH, and `herdr --remote` workflows, see [How to work with Herdr]
 
 ## Create a workspace
 
-Press `prefix+shift+n` to create a workspace. A workspace is a project-level container for tabs, panes, and agents.
+When a session has no workspaces, Herdr opens one automatically. A workspace is a project-level container for tabs, panes, and agents. Press `prefix+shift+n` to create another workspace.
 
 Give each active project its own workspace. This keeps agent state readable in the sidebar.