> ## 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 yourself, all free. Most people should start with the first one. If you would rather not run it at all, the [Pro and Max plans](https://opencompany.sh/pricing/) are hosted by opencompany and priced on usage, never per seat.

## 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 | Hosted (Pro / Max) |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| Cost | Free | Cloud provider fees | Free | Monthly, on usage |
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Developer-level | None |
| Always on | Only while running | Yes | Only while running | Yes |
| Your data lives | On your machine | On your server | On your machine | In your hosted workspace |
| Login screen | None (private) | Yes (owner account) | None | Yes |

<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>


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