> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://familyco.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Install FamilyCo and run your first directive in minutes.

This guide is for end users who just want to use FamilyCo. If you want to develop the codebase, see [Developer setup](/development).

<Note>
  You do **not** need Node.js, pnpm, or terminal commands to use FamilyCo. The desktop release ships everything bundled.
</Note>

## 1. Download a release

Grab the installer for your operating system from the [releases page](https://github.com/omaicode/familyco/releases).

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="macOS">
    Download the `.dmg` file, open it, and drag **FamilyCo** to Applications.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Windows">
    Download the `.exe` installer and follow the setup wizard.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Linux">
    Download the `.AppImage`, mark it executable, and run it:

    ```bash theme={null}
    chmod +x FamilyCo-*.AppImage
    ./FamilyCo-*.AppImage
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Tip>
  If your OS shows a security warning on first launch, choose **Open anyway** / **Run anyway**. Releases are unsigned during early access.
</Tip>

## 2. Configure a provider

On first launch, open **Settings → Providers** and connect at least one AI provider (for example, OpenAI or Claude) using an API key. Mark one provider as the **primary** and pick a default model.

The embedded server stores your local data here:

* macOS: `~/Library/Application Support/FamilyCo/familyco.db`
* Windows: `C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\FamilyCo\familyco.db`
* Linux: `~/.config/FamilyCo/familyco.db`

## 3. Send your first directive

Open **Chat** and tell the Executive Agent what you want done. For example:

> Draft a 3-week launch plan for our newsletter, propose owners, and surface any approval I need to make.

The Executive Agent will:

1. Interpret the goal and produce a plan.
2. Create or update **Projects** and **Tasks**.
3. Pause into the **Inbox** if anything risky or ambiguous comes up.
4. Record **Audit** and **Budget** entries throughout.

## 4. Review and approve

Use the **Inbox** to approve, reject, or answer clarifications. Use **Budget** to keep an eye on token and cost usage. Use the **Audit Log** to inspect any action end to end.

## Next steps

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Developer setup" icon="terminal" href="/development">
    Run FamilyCo from source with `pnpm dev`.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configuration" icon="sliders" href="/guides/configuration">
    All environment variables and runtime options.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Modules" icon="cubes" href="/modules/chat">
    Deep dives on Chat, Agents, Projects, Tasks, and more.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Skills standard" icon="sparkles" href="/concepts/skills-standard">
    How skills are stored, discovered, and toggled.
  </Card>
</Columns>