Setting Up Your Local Environment

In this how-to guide, we will cover setting up your environment so that you can begin developing blocks with Element.

Supported Platforms

Block development is supported in macOS, Linux, and Windows.

1. Install Node.js

If you do not already have Node.js installed, follow these instructions to do so.

2. Use the Right Node Version

You should be using Node v12.14.1. If you don't have Node Version Manager, you should install it.

Once it is installed, run this command in your terminal:

nvm install 12.14.1

3. Install Git

If you don't have Git on your system, follow these instructions to do so.

4. Install Element CLI

To install Element CLI, run this command in your terminal:

npm install -g @volusion/element-cli

5. Create an Account on volusion.com

If you don't have one already, go to volusion.com to create an account.

6. Log in to Element CLI

Run this command in your terminal:

element login

Then, enter the email address and password for your Volusion account.

If you signed up for your Volusion account using your Google account, you can use the "Forgot Password?" link at volusion.com/login to set a password for use with Element CLI.

7. Get Approved to Develop Blocks

You need approval from Volusion to begin developing blocks.

For instructions, see "How to Get Approved to Develop Blocks."

8. Start Developing

You're now ready to start developing blocks.

For next steps, see "Building An Element Page Tutorial."