As you may know, there are some meanings the particle ni and de.
However, I will explain them very simply and focus on the 場所 + で.
What is the difference に and で?
The particle ni に
に is used for the direction or existence things.
- Direction
わたしは、学校に（へ） 行きます。
来週末、東京に（へ） 行きます。
ここに、コップをおいてください。 - Existence things
わたしは、京都に 住んでいます。
ここに、コップがあります。
公園に、こどもがいます。
Even advance class, Some often make a mistake the way of using ni and de.
Please pay more attention to the existence things.
The particle de で
The particle de is often used with action.
- Location
わたしは、カフェで コーヒーを 飲みます。
ここで、会いましょう。
子どもたちは、公園で 遊びます。
So, You can’t say
わたしは、京都で 住んでいます。incorrect.
*In the very few case, you can. but normally, no.
ここで、コップがあります。incorrect.
公園で、こどもがいます。incorrect.
まとめ
I focus on the place + de pattern, this time.
Now you can explain the difference those sentences below, can’ you?
ここに、コップをおいてください。
ここで、コップをおいてください。
Both are correct, but the meaning is different.
The first one means “to here”*direction
This is kind of like this, “Please put the cup from there to here.” / “Please put the cup here, not there”
It focuses more on the position.
The second one means “in/at here”*location
This sentence focus on the action.
You are holding the cup, and you have to put it here.
The place you do that is here.