# # Installing Manually

Automation

We've created a little CLI tool you can run that does this process automatically. For more info, check the doc on installing through the CLI.

## # 1. Setup a Project Folder

Create a new directory, and add a `package.json` by running the following command.

    npm init -y

We recommend aliasing the `start` script to Directus' start for easier deployments to services like AWS, Google Cloud Platform or DigitalOcean App Platform.

    {
    	...
    	"scripts": {
    		"start": "directus start"
    	}
    	...
    }

## # 2. Install Directus

    npm install directus

## # 3. Setup a Configuration File

Finally, you'll need to setup your `.env` file, or configure the environment variables through other means, such as Docker, etc.

Don't forget to fill your database information before continuing to next step

See Environment Variables for all available variables.

## # 4. Bootstrap It

    npx directus bootstrap

## # 5. Start Server

    npm run start