# Quick start

> Connect PicassoWeb to an MCP client with `npx`, then make a first evidence capture.

## Requirements

- Node.js 20 or newer.
- An MCP client that can launch a local stdio server.
- Permission to inspect and reuse the target website and its assets.

The first run downloads Chromium, approximately 130 MB. The browser is cached for later runs.

## Add PicassoWeb to your client

Add this server configuration to your MCP client:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "picassoweb": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "picassoweb"]
    }
  }
}
```

Restart or reload the client after saving its configuration. The client should expose the PicassoWeb tools after the server starts.

## Use an existing Chromium installation

Set `CHROME_EXECUTABLE_PATH` when Chromium or Chrome is already available locally:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "picassoweb": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "picassoweb"],
      "env": {
        "CHROME_EXECUTABLE_PATH": "/absolute/path/to/chromium"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## Make the first capture

Ask the client to call `analyze_site` with a public URL:

```json
{
  "url": "https://example.com",
  "viewportWidth": 1440,
  "viewportHeight": 900,
  "maxElements": 2500,
  "autoScroll": true
}
```

For a complete local bundle, use `create_replication_kit`:

```json
{
  "url": "https://example.com",
  "outputDir": "/absolute/path/to/example-replication-kit",
  "includeMobile": true
}
```

The output directory contains desktop and mobile screenshots, original assets, design and layout JSON, an animation inventory, and a `REPLICATE.md` guide.

## Install from source

Use the repository when contributing or testing unreleased changes:

```bash
git clone https://github.com/blackridder22/PicassoWeb.git
cd PicassoWeb
npm install
npm run build
```

Then point the MCP client at the built entry point:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "picassoweb": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/absolute/path/to/PicassoWeb/dist/index.js"]
    }
  }
}
```

## Next

- [Review every MCP tool](tools.md)
- [Run the complete replication loop](workflows.md)
- [Understand local-network access](security.md)