diff --git a/apps/web/src/config.ts b/apps/web/src/config.ts
index d9a2d8ae..792c8ae9 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/config.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/config.ts
@@ -979,7 +979,7 @@ export const wording = {
     coordinatorNotStarted: "The coordinator for this project did not start.",
     projectNotOpened: "The project could not be opened.",
     projectLoading: "Loading this project…",
-    projectTooShort: "At least ten characters to start a project.",
+    projectEmpty: "Describe what you want built to start a project.",
     stepFailed: "That step could not finish.",
   },
   /** The coordinator's questions as a card the person answers in the conversation. */
diff --git a/apps/web/src/pages/home-view.ts b/apps/web/src/pages/home-view.ts
index d32d7256..bfd751d1 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/pages/home-view.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/pages/home-view.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 export const HOME_COMPOSER_PLACEHOLDER = "Describe the thing you want built…";
 
-/** Ten characters is the create gate. */
+/** Any idea starts a project; only an empty box does not. */
 export function canStartProject(problem: string): boolean {
-  return problem.trim().length >= 10;
+  return problem.trim().length > 0;
 }
diff --git a/apps/web/src/pages/projects.tsx b/apps/web/src/pages/projects.tsx
index a3032f9c..f07df24e 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/pages/projects.tsx
+++ b/apps/web/src/pages/projects.tsx
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ export function Projects({
     if (busy !== null) return;
     if (shell.answers(problem)) return setProblem("");
     if (!canStartProject(problem)) {
-      toast.error(wording.message.projectTooShort);
+      toast.error(wording.message.projectEmpty);
       return;
     }
     setBusy("start");
diff --git a/docs/USER_MANUAL.md b/docs/USER_MANUAL.md
index 663f3278..9e1832db 100644
--- a/docs/USER_MANUAL.md
+++ b/docs/USER_MANUAL.md
@@ -98,8 +98,8 @@ tips**) and your **Account**, with **Sign out**.
 
 From **New project** in the sidebar you see "What do you want to build today?"
 
-1. Type your idea in the box that says "Describe the thing you want built…". It
-   needs at least ten characters. You can also dictate with the microphone.
+1. Type your idea in the box that says "Describe the thing you want built…".
+   You can also dictate with the microphone.
 2. The **Model profile** picker in the box shows the profile the project will
    use. Change it here if you want a different one.
 3. Send it. You see "Starting your project…" and then the project opens.
@@ -379,8 +379,8 @@ provider's status in **Settings → Providers**, then send your message again.
   whoever runs it to restart it.
 - **"Builder is responding slowly"**: everything waits on the server. If it
   stays slow, restart it.
-- **"At least ten characters to start a project."**: describe the idea in a
-  little more detail.
+- **"Describe what you want built to start a project."**: the box is empty;
+  type your idea first.
 - **"No model provider connected"**: choose **Connect a model provider**.
 - **"The provider refused this key."**: check the key and test again.
 - **"The provider did not answer with a model list."**: check the **Base URL**