# Install Loam

Install Loam and the loam command line with one command, on macOS 26 with Apple silicon.

One command installs Loam in `/Applications`, links the `loam` command line into `~/.local/bin` and opens the app. Run it in Terminal:

```bash
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Azilone/loam-releases/main/install.sh | bash
```

## What you need

- A Mac with Apple silicon, running macOS 26 or later.

## What the command does

1. Reads the latest release from the [releases repository](https://github.com/Azilone/loam-releases).
2. Downloads it and checks that it arrived intact (SHA-256).
3. Puts `Loam.app` in `/Applications`, or in `~/Applications` when `/Applications` is not writable.
4. Links the command line: `~/.local/bin/loam`.
5. Opens Loam.

Options: `--no-cli` skips the command line, `--no-open` leaves the app closed, `--beta` takes the beta channel. Pass them after `bash -s --`.

> **Tip:** If `loam` is not found, `~/.local/bin` is not on your `PATH`. Add it: `echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc`, then open a new Terminal window.

## Updates

Loam checks for a new version once a day and downloads it in the background. Every update is signed, and Loam installs only what the project signed. **Settings > About** shows the version, **Restart to Update** installs a downloaded one, and you can pick the stable or beta channel there. Running the install command again also updates Loam.

## Check the install

List every command:

```bash
loam list
```

> **Tip:** For AI agents: `loam skill install` installs the Loam skill, which tells an agent to read `loam guide` first.

## Build from source

Contributors build Loam with Swift 6.2. Clone [the repository](https://github.com/Azilone/loam), run `make test-vault` to make a demo vault, then `make run` to build the app and open it on that vault. Plugins from other people are compiled on your Mac too, so installing one needs Swift 6.2 (Xcode or the Command Line Tools).