Install OpenDesign and get oriented

Install the right build

Download the app from the OpenDesign website. On macOS, choose the build for Apple Silicon or Intel. Use the Windows package for your system; check current official support before choosing another platform. Open the installed app.

Connect AI once

Open Settings → Models & providers from the Home sidebar. You can connect an AI service you already use or start with OpenDesign Cloud. Choose the option that matches what you have:

• Already use an AI agent or have a compatible subscription? An AI agent is a tool that can carry out tasks such as writing and changing code. Try connecting a local agent such as Claude Code or Codex. “CLI” means a command-line tool installed on your computer; OpenDesign can use a supported agent to carry out your requests. You may need to sign in to that agent first. Whether your subscription works depends on the agent and provider.
• Have an API key from a model provider? Choose BYOK (“Bring Your Own Key”): enter the provider’s key in OpenDesign to use its models. Usage is billed by that provider. A subscription to a chat website does not necessarily include API access.
• Have neither? Choose OpenDesign Cloud, sign in and subscribe to an OpenDesign paid plan to use the hosted models included in that plan. You do not need to obtain a separate provider API key. View plans.

Your own local agent and BYOK do not require an OpenDesign account, but the connected service may require its own sign-in or payment. Free does not include recurring Cloud model credits; you can still use local agents and BYOK. For setup steps, see Choose an AI connection.

Find your way around

• Home is where you choose a creation type, write a brief, or try an example.
• All projects lets you continue existing work.
• Design systems holds reusable visual direction.
• Plugins contains additional workflows.
• Settings holds model connections, media providers, MCP, language, and preferences.

Start with a small, testable brief

Choose Prototype or Motion design and describe one useful result. State the audience, content, style, and output you need. To discuss an idea without starting production, say so explicitly. To get a usable artifact, ask the agent to create the files in the current project. Continue with your first prototype or your first motion video.

Creation categories are starting points, not limits. Describe a simple browser game directly if no category fits. To redesign an existing app, paste or drop screenshots into the conversation and state what to retain and change.

Give the agent useful context

Use Attach files under Add context for a requirements document, reference interface, or asset. Choose an existing Design system when the result should follow reusable colors, typography, and components. Working directory lets the agent read a selected local folder; it does not import every file into Design Files.

Explain how each reference should be used: “Keep this system’s typography and buttons, then redesign the task list.” Start with one result you can inspect, then continue refining it in the same project.

Check your app version

Use Settings → About to identify the version and Check again to check for updates. Follow the install-and-restart prompt when an update is ready. Some setup figures show 0.25.0; the canvas and feedback walkthroughs use 0.26.0. Check figure captions for the version, and the provider’s current documentation for model IDs.

Browser access, platforms and older releases

The standard creative environment is the desktop app offered on the website. To run it in a browser, follow the repository README for Docker self-hosting. The Cloud web console manages accounts, API access and usage; it is a separate surface from the full creation environment.

Check the download page for current desktop platform support. Current community support guidance does not promise official Linux desktop support; self-hosting is a separate option. Older installers are available on GitHub Releases.

Find projects, templates, and updates

• Use All projects to return to saved work. Use Search in the app sidebar (Cmd/Ctrl+K where supported) to find an existing resource; this is separate from the search in this Help Center.
• Open Community to browse examples and templates. The prototype walkthrough uses OpenDesign Landing and explains Use versus Remix.
• Open Message center by the account area to read available notices. An unread indicator is not the same as a running generation; inspect the project conversation for task progress.