> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://pavan-c90e8846.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Get Started with LiveCanvas in Minutes

> Clone LiveCanvas, install dependencies, start Convex locally, and launch the Next.js app on localhost to begin collaborating.

You can get LiveCanvas running on your machine in just a few steps. You need Node.js installed and a free Convex account to initialize the project backend.

## Prerequisites

* Node.js 18 or later
* A free [Convex](https://www.convex.dev/) account
* A free [Kinde](https://kinde.com/) account (for authentication setup)

## Run LiveCanvas Locally

<Steps>
  <Step title="Clone the repository">
    ```bash theme={null}
    git clone https://github.com/YOUR_USERNAME/livecanvas.git
    cd livecanvas
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install dependencies">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npm install
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start Convex locally">
    Open a **separate terminal** and run:

    ```bash theme={null}
    npx convex dev
    ```

    This starts the Convex dev server, links your project, and watches your `convex/` folder for changes.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the Next.js app">
    In your original terminal, run:

    ```bash theme={null}
    npm run dev
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open in your browser">
    Navigate to [http://localhost:3000](http://localhost:3000). You should see the LiveCanvas dashboard and be able to sign in.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Whiteboard" icon="paintbrush" href="/live-canvas/whiteboard">
    Learn how to open the infinite canvas and start drawing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Environment Setup" icon="gear" href="/live-canvas/environment-setup">
    Configure Convex and Kinde environment variables for production.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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