---
title: "Get started"
description: "Install Startica from source on macOS, Windows or Linux, add your Claude or OpenAI API key and set up your first product and its website."
---

Signed installers with automatic updates are on the [roadmap](/roadmap): the release builds are ready and will be published on GitHub Releases. Until then, you clone the repository and either run the app directly or build an installer for your own computer.

## What you need

- **Node.js 24 or newer.** Startica uses Node's built-in SQLite.
- **Yarn 4**, which comes with Node through Corepack.
- **git**
- **A Claude or OpenAI API key**, from the [Anthropic Console](https://platform.claude.com) or the [OpenAI platform](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys). You set a monthly budget inside Startica. Site scans and checks don't use AI, so they cost nothing.

## Install and run

```bash
git clone https://github.com/chriscasper/startica.git
cd startica
corepack enable
yarn
yarn dev:desktop
```

The Startica window opens on **Welcome to Startica**, a three-step setup:

1. **Connect AI:** pick Claude or OpenAI, paste your API key and set a monthly budget. A typical month for one product costs a few dollars.
2. **What are you marketing?:** your product's name and website. Startica starts building intel right away (about 3–4 minutes).
3. **A few extras:** launch at login, your Mastodon server, and pointers for connecting analytics later.

Startica then opens on the **Dashboard**, and **Today** shows a short *Getting started* checklist that takes you to your first posted reply.

To check your site for accessibility, search and security problems, open **Accessibility** and add the site (usually your product's website); one scan runs every module's checks. Security checks start once you [prove the site is yours](https://docs.mystartica.com/security#prove-the-site-is-yours).

> Not ready to add a key? Choose **Look around with a sample product first** to explore Startica with a fictional product that has sample results in every module. Your own data stays untouched, and **Leave demo** takes you back.

## Build an installer for your computer

To keep Startica in your Applications folder or Start menu instead of running it from a terminal, build an installer for the system you're on:

```bash
yarn build:desktop --mac     # or --win, or --linux
```

The installer lands in `apps/desktop/dist/`. It isn't code-signed, so your operating system will ask you to confirm the first time you open it. The [install guide](https://docs.mystartica.com/getting-started/install) shows what to expect on each system.

## Next steps

1. [First run](https://docs.mystartica.com/getting-started/first-run): the setup wizard, step by step.
2. [Your first day](https://docs.mystartica.com/getting-started/first-day): the Getting started checklist, from intel to your first posted reply.
3. [Scan your site](https://docs.mystartica.com/accessibility/scanning): one scan checks accessibility, search basics and, once verified, security.
4. [Bring your own credentials](https://docs.mystartica.com/credentials): connect Google Analytics or Umami, Search Console, Stripe or your product's database to measure results.

Stuck? Check [troubleshooting](https://docs.mystartica.com/troubleshooting) or ask in [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/chriscasper/startica/discussions).