> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.opencompany.sh/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Choose how to run OpenCompany

> Run it on your computer, on a cloud server, or from source - pick the path that fits you

There are three ways to run OpenCompany. Most people should start with the first one.

## Option 1: On your computer (recommended)

Install it once, open your browser, and everything runs privately on your machine.

* **You need:** Node.js 22+ and Python 3.12+ (the install guide walks you through both)
* **Takes:** 2-10 minutes and about 1 GB of disk space
* **Costs:** nothing — and nothing leaves your computer

<Card title="Install OpenCompany" icon="download" href="/installation">
  The step-by-step install guide, including one-command installers.
</Card>

## Option 2: On a cloud server

Want your workflows running around the clock, even with your laptop closed? One command provisions a cloud server (a rented computer that never sleeps) with a login screen in front of it:

```bash theme={null}
company deploy up --provider gcp --owner-email you@example.com
```

You need a Google Cloud account and the `gcloud` command-line tool. The deploy prints your server's address and a one-time password when it finishes.

<Card title="Deploy to production" icon="cloud-arrow-up" href="/deployment/production">
  The full cloud deployment guide.
</Card>

## Option 3: From source (for developers)

Clone the code, build it yourself, and hack on it with hot reload. This path needs a few extra developer tools.

<Card title="Run from source" icon="code" href="/installation#for-developers">
  The contributor setup in the install guide.
</Card>

## Compare

|                 | On your computer   | Cloud server        | From source        |
| --------------- | ------------------ | ------------------- | ------------------ |
| Cost            | Free               | Cloud provider fees | Free               |
| Difficulty      | Easy               | Moderate            | Developer-level    |
| Always on       | Only while running | Yes                 | Only while running |
| Your data lives | On your machine    | On your server      | On your machine    |
| Login screen    | None (private)     | Yes (owner account) | None               |

<Info>
  Whichever path you pick, you bring your own AI keys — or run free local models. See [Add your AI key](/add-api-keys).
</Info>