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

# CLI install

> Install the OpenWhispr CLI and verify it can reach your data.

The OpenWhispr CLI (`@openwhispr/cli`) is a single binary that operates against either the local desktop app or the cloud API.

## Requirements

* Node.js 20 or later
* Either the [OpenWhispr desktop app](/index) running locally, or an API key for cloud access

## Install

<CodeGroup>
  ```bash npm theme={null}
  npm install -g @openwhispr/cli
  ```

  ```bash pnpm theme={null}
  pnpm add -g @openwhispr/cli
  ```

  ```bash bun theme={null}
  bun add -g @openwhispr/cli
  ```
</CodeGroup>

## Verify

```bash theme={null}
openwhispr --version
```

Then check which backends are reachable:

```bash theme={null}
openwhispr doctor
```

The `doctor` command reports the local desktop bridge and remote API independently. Exit code is `0` if at least one backend is reachable, `2` otherwise.

## Next steps

* [Authenticate](/cli/authentication) for cloud access
* Learn how the CLI [picks a backend](/cli/backends)
* Browse the full [command reference](/cli/commands)