> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://catalyst.leifiyo.dev/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installation

> Install Catalyst from a packaged build or run it from source.

## Install the desktop app

Download the current Catalyst release from GitHub and install the package for your operating system. The Windows build uses an NSIS installer named `catalyst`.

<Card title="Catalyst releases" icon="github" href="https://github.com/leifiyoo/catalyst/releases">
  Open the GitHub releases page to find packaged builds and release notes.
</Card>

## Run from source

Use the source workflow when developing Catalyst or verifying a local change.

```bash theme={null}
npm install
npm run dev
```

`npm run dev` starts Electron through electron-vite with hot module replacement for the renderer.

## Build locally

```bash theme={null}
npm run typecheck
npm run build
npm run build:win
```

For the complete command list, see [Build and test](/docs/developers/build-and-test).

<Warning>
  Do not move server folders out of Catalyst's app-data directory while a server is running. Stop the server first, then use export or import when you need a portable copy.
</Warning>