# Installation

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## Download

Download the latest `.dmg` from the [GitHub releases page](https://github.com/ShiplightAI/desktop/releases).

## Install

1. Open the `.dmg` file
2. Drag **Shiplight** to your Applications folder
3. Open the app — macOS will warn that it's from an unidentified developer since the app is not yet code-signed

### Bypassing the macOS Gatekeeper Warning

Since the app is unsigned, macOS blocks it on first launch. To open it:

**Option A — Right-click to open:**

1. Right-click (or Control-click) the app in Applications
2. Select **Open** from the context menu
3. Click **Open** in the confirmation dialog

**Option B — System Settings:**

1. Try opening the app normally (it will be blocked)
2. Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security**
3. Scroll down — you'll see a message about Shiplight being blocked
4. Click **Open Anyway**

You only need to do this once. After the first launch, macOS remembers your choice.

## Sign In

When the app launches, you'll see the Shiplight login page. Sign in with your existing account:

- **Google** — click "Continue with Google"
- **Email & password** — enter your credentials

This is the same login you use on [app.shiplight.ai](https://app.shiplight.ai). Your session persists across app restarts.

## Configure AI Keys

The AI agent needs an API key to power AI features like `verify`, `ai_extract`, and natural language test steps.

1. Open the app and navigate to **Settings > AI Keys** (or click the key icon in the sidebar)
2. Enter your API key for one of the supported providers:
   - **Google API Key** — for Gemini models
   - **Anthropic API Key** — for Claude models
3. Keys are encrypted and stored in your macOS Keychain

::: tip
You only need one provider key. The model is auto-detected from whichever key you provide.
:::

## MCP Server Setup

The desktop app automatically starts an MCP server on `localhost:36790` when launched. You can connect your IDE to it for browser automation and test management.

### Claude Code

```bash
claude mcp add shiplight -s sse -e http://localhost:36790/mcp
```

### Cursor

Add to `.cursor/mcp.json` in your project:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shiplight": {
      "url": "http://localhost:36790/mcp"
    }
  }
}
```

### Claude Desktop

Add to `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shiplight": {
      "url": "http://localhost:36790/mcp"
    }
  }
}
```

::: info
The desktop MCP server uses your app's login session and AI keys — no extra environment variables needed. This is different from the [npm CLI package](/getting-started/quick-start), which requires `SHIPLIGHT_API_TOKEN` for cloud features.
:::

## Next Steps

- [Desktop App Overview](./) — Features and comparison
- [Setup Guide](/getting-started/quick-start) — Install and configure the MCP server
- [Debugging](/cloud/test-editor/debugging) — Interactive debugging in the test editor