SetupLesson 2 of 23
Install Node.js
2 min readClaude Code for DesignersUpdated Feb 18, 2026
Node.js is what lets your computer actually run Claude Code. If you've never installed it before, that's fine — most designers haven't. You'll either confirm it's already there or grab it in two minutes.
Check if You Already Have Node.js
1
On Mac
- Press Command + Space, type "Terminal", and hit Enter
- Paste this and press Enter: node --version
- If you see a version number, you're done with this section!
2
On Windows
- Click the Windows logo, type "Command Prompt", and hit Enter
- Paste this and press Enter: node --version
- If you see a version number, skip to the next lesson!
Install Node.js (If You Need It)
1
Go to nodejs.org
Visit the official Node.js website
2
Download the "LTS" version
This is the stable, recommended version for production use
3
Run the installer and follow the instructions
Just click "Next" on everything - the defaults are perfect for you
4
Verify the installation
Open Terminal/Command Prompt again and run node --version to confirm it worked
Node.js is in place
- Checked whether Node.js was already installed
- Downloaded the LTS version from nodejs.org if needed
- Verified the install with node --version
One more install and your environment is ready. Next: Claude Code itself.