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BMAD-METHOD/docs/how-to/install-bmad.md

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How to Install BMad Step-by-step guide to installing BMad in your project

Use the npx bmad-method install command to set up BMad in your project with your choice of modules and AI tools.

When to Use This

  • Starting a new project with BMad
  • Adding BMad to an existing codebase
  • Update the existing BMad Installation

:::note[Prerequisites]

  • Node.js 20+ (required for the installer)
  • Git (recommended)
  • AI tool (Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, or similar) :::

Steps

1. Run the Installer

npx bmad-method install

2. Choose Installation Location

The installer will ask where to install BMad files:

  • Current directory (recommended for new projects if you created the directory yourself and ran from within the directory)
  • Custom path

3. Select Your AI Tools

Pick which AI tools you use:

  • Claude Code
  • Cursor
  • Windsurf
  • Others

Each tool has its own way of integrating commands. The installer creates tiny prompt files to activate workflows and agents — it just puts them where your tool expects to find them.

4. Choose Modules

The installer shows available modules. Select whichever ones you need — most users just want BMad Method (the software development module).

5. Follow the Prompts

The installer guides you through the rest — custom content, settings, etc.

What You Get

your-project/
├── _bmad/
│   ├── bmm/            # Your selected modules
│   │   └── config.yaml # Module settings (if you ever need to change them)
│   ├── core/           # Required core module
│   └── ...
├── _bmad-output/       # Generated artifacts
└── .claude/            # Claude Code commands (if using Claude Code)

Verify Installation

Run the help workflow (/bmad-help on most platforms) to verify everything works and see what to do next.

Latest from main branch:

npx github:bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD install

Use these if you want the newest features before they're officially released. Things might break.

Troubleshooting

Installer throws an error — Copy-paste the output into your AI assistant and let it figure it out.

Installer worked but something doesn't work later — Your AI needs BMad context to help. See How to Get Answers About BMad for how to point your AI at the right sources.