When you open Pedigree Forge you can start entering information straight away. The program is ready for you to enter the first person.
The Action Bar runs down the left side of the main window, giving access to the various editing screens:
Clicking the same Action Bar button again hides the editing panel; clicking it once more shows it again. The main content area to the right of the Action Bar shows the Charts tab by default, displaying a dynamic family chart that follows the currently selected person.