--- url: https://pencel.ai/docs/getting-started/installation.md description: >- Download Pencel for macOS, Windows or Linux, sign in, accept the terms and land on Home ready to set up your first Room. --- # Install Pencel Pencel is a desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux. Installing it takes a few minutes. When you're done, you'll be signed in and looking at Home, ready to pick your first Room. ## What you need | | Requirement | |---|---| | **macOS** | macOS 12 (Monterey) or later, on Apple Silicon or Intel | | **Windows** | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit | | **Linux** | 64-bit, Ubuntu 20.04 or later (AppImage) | | **Memory** | 8 GB RAM | | **Disk space** | 2 GB free | | **Internet** | Needed to sign in and for anything that uses AI or your connected accounts | You don't need an API key or a paid plan to start. New accounts get free starter credits. See [Accounts, plans and credits](https://pencel.ai/docs/getting-started/accounts.html). ## 1. Download Go to [pencel.ai/download](https://pencel.ai/download) and pick your platform. * **macOS**: choose **.dmg (Apple Silicon)** for M-series Macs or **.dmg (Intel)** for older Macs. Open the file and drag Pencel into your Applications folder. * **Windows**: click **Download for Windows**. A small installer from the Microsoft Store downloads. Open it, and Pencel installs and opens on its own. You can also search for Pencel in the Microsoft Store app. * **Linux**: download the **.AppImage** file, make it executable (right-click ▸ Properties ▸ allow running as a program, or run `chmod +x` on it), then open it. ::: tip First launch on a Mac takes about a minute The first time you open Pencel, macOS checks the whole app before it starts. You'll see only a bouncing Dock icon for about a minute. Every launch after that is quick. If macOS asks whether you're sure you want to open an app downloaded from the internet, click **Open**. ::: ::: info Windows PCs that block the Microsoft Store Some work computers don't allow the Microsoft Store. On those, click **Download the .exe instead** under the Windows button, run it and follow the steps. You can choose where to install it. If Windows shows a SmartScreen screen the first time you run it, click **More info**, then **Run anyway**. ::: ## 2. Sign in Pencel opens on a **Welcome to Pencel** screen. Sign in one of three ways: * **Continue with Google** * **Continue with GitHub**. Pencel shows a short code. Enter it on the GitHub page that opens, then come back to Pencel. * **Email and password**. Click **Sign up**, fill in your name, email and a password, then click **Create account**. Forgot your password? Click **Forgot password?** and Pencel emails you a 6-digit reset code. Signing in is required, even if you plan to use your own API key. If you signed up with email, Pencel also sends a 6-digit code to verify your address. Enter it under **Settings ▸ Account**. Google and GitHub accounts are verified automatically. You need a verified email to get the free starter credits. ## 3. Accept the terms Next you'll see **Before you continue**. 1. Tick **I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy**. 2. Leave **Share anonymous usage analytics** ticked if you want the free starter credits. Pencel never collects your conversations, documents or keys. You can change this later in **Settings ▸ Privacy**. 3. Click **Agree & continue**. **Decline & sign out** signs you out. You must accept the terms to use Pencel. ## 4. Land on Home After a short welcome animation, Pencel opens on **Home**. The first time, Home shows a few **setup cards**, starting with **What should Pencel find for you?** Pick one and Pencel sets up a working room for you. You can skip any card. Your free starter credits are added in the background once your email is verified and analytics sharing is on. Next: follow the [Quickstart](https://pencel.ai/docs/getting-started/quickstart.html) to get your first real result. ## Updates Pencel updates itself. It checks for a new version when it starts and every few hours after that, and downloads it in the background. * When an update is ready, a bar at the top of the window says so. Click **Restart & Install**, or **Later** to finish what you're doing. If you choose Later, the update installs the next time you quit Pencel. * To check by hand, open **Settings ▸ Account** and scroll to **Version & Updates**. Click **Check for Updates**. When the download finishes, click **Install & Restart**. Your workspace, documents and history are kept through every update. ## Related * [Quickstart](https://pencel.ai/docs/getting-started/quickstart.html) * [Accounts, plans and credits](https://pencel.ai/docs/getting-started/accounts.html) * [Troubleshooting](https://pencel.ai/docs/reference/troubleshooting.html)