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

# Introduction

## Blackbox Terminal — macOS App with CLI Pre-installed

If you're on macOS, the fastest way to get started is **Blackbox Terminal** — a native terminal app with the Blackbox AI CLI already built in. No install script needed.

<Card title="Download Blackbox Terminal (macOS)" icon="apple" href="/features/blackbox-terminal/introduction">
  Get the notarized macOS app with Blackbox AI CLI pre-installed. Apple-verified and ready to launch.
</Card>

***

## Get started in 30 seconds

Prerequisites:

* A terminal (Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Bash)
* A [BLACKBOX AI](https://app.blackbox.ai) account to login.

##### For Unix/Linux/macOS (Bash)

```bash theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"github-dark-default"}}
curl -fsSL https://blackbox.ai/install.sh | bash
```

##### For Windows (PowerShell)

```bash theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"github-dark-default"}}
iex (irm https://blackbox.ai/install.ps1)
```

##### If you get an execution policy error on Windows

To fix this, run the following command first in the same PowerShell session:

```powershell theme={null} theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"github-dark-default"}}
Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass
```

Then re-run the install command:

```bash theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"github-dark-default"}}
iex (irm https://blackbox.ai/install.ps1)
```

##### Configuring BlackBox CLI

Once the BLACKBOX CLI is installed user has to configure it before the first use.

You can also use the configure command to set up your providers at any time:

```bash theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"github-dark-default"}}
blackbox configure
# You'll be prompted to configure providers and enter your API key on first use
```

##### Select Configuration

Select the configuration that you wish to change. For the initial setup, select **Configure Providers**.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/blackboxai-3b9e98f8/PBIwMfQWhbdFC2o3/images/Screenshot2025-10-22at22.43.51.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=PBIwMfQWhbdFC2o3&q=85&s=9dd1d6dfdd2020ea660e146ba2a16c5c" alt="Screenshot 2025-10-22 at 22.43.51.png" width="1926" height="1378" data-path="images/Screenshot2025-10-22at22.43.51.png" />

##### Choose Model Provider

Select your preferred AI model provider from the available options. BLACKBOX CLI supports multiple providers to give you flexibility.

##### Enter API Key

Provide your BLACKBOX API key when prompted. You can get your API key from the [BLACKBOX Dashboard](https://blackbox.ai/dashboard).

* Navigate to your dashboard
* Copy your API key
* Paste it in the terminal when prompted

##### Select Your Model

Choose the specific AI model you want to use from your chosen provider. You can select from the best closed-source or open-source models available. Look at the full list of BLACKBOX AI supported models [Here](/api-reference/models/chat-models#available-chat-models).

<Note>
  You can reconfigure your settings at any time by running `blackbox configure` again.
</Note>

##### Start Using BLACKBOX CLI

```bash theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light-default","dark":"github-dark-default"}}
# Configure and start
blackbox
# You'll be prompted to configure providers and enter your API key on first use
```

That's it! You're ready to start coding with BLACKBOX CLI. [Continue with Getting Started ](/features/blackbox-cli)

## What BLACKBOX CLI does for you

* **Natural Language Coding**: Describe what you want to build in plain English. BLACKBOX CLI will make a plan, write the code, and ensure it works.
* **Complete Project Management**: Create, organize, search, and manage files effortlessly through intelligent AI guidance.
* **Smart Debugging**: Detect errors, run commands, and iterate through debugging cycles autonomously with real-time feedback.
* **Automated Setup**: Handle project initialization, dependency installation, and environment configuration automatically.
* **File Operations**: Create, modify, and organize files through AI guidance with batch operations support.
* **Build & Deployment**: Automate compilation, bundling, packaging, and CI/CD pipeline setup.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Getting Started" icon="rocket" href="/features/blackbox-cli/getting-started">
    Complete setup guide with step-by-step configuration
  </Card>

  <Card title="Installation Guide" icon="download" href="/features/blackbox-cli/getting-started#1-install-blackbox-cli">
    Detailed installation instructions for all platforms
  </Card>

  <Card title="Key Features" icon="star" href="/features/blackbox-cli/key-features">
    Explore all capabilities and use cases
  </Card>

  <Card title="Common Use Cases" icon="code" href="/features/blackbox-cli/common-use-cases">
    See BLACKBOX CLI in action with practical examples
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Additional resources

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="API Dashboard" icon="key" href="https://blackbox.ai/dashboard">
    Get your API key and manage your account
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configuration" icon="gear" href="/features/blackbox-cli/getting-started#2-configure-blackbox-cli">
    Learn how to configure providers and models
  </Card>

  <Card title="Essential Commands" icon="terminal" href="/features/blackbox-cli/getting-started#essential-commands">
    Master all CLI commands and options
  </Card>

  <Card title="Pro Tips" icon="lightbulb" href="/features/blackbox-cli/getting-started#pro-tips-for-beginners">
    Learn tips and tricks for maximum productivity
  </Card>
</CardGroup>