---
title: "Quick Start"
description: "Get up and running with Astromesh Forge in minutes."
---

## Prerequisites

- An Astromesh node running locally or on a reachable host.
- Python 3.12+ with `uv` installed (for the node).

## 1. Start the Astromesh Node

If you don't already have a node running, start one:

```bash
uv run uvicorn astromesh.api.main:app --reload
```

The API will be available at `http://localhost:8000`.

## 2. Access Forge

### Embedded Mode

If your node has Forge enabled (the default when static files are present), open your browser and navigate to:

```
http://localhost:8000/forge
```

### Standalone Mode

Alternatively, run Forge as a standalone application:

```bash
npx astromesh-forge --node http://localhost:8000
```

This starts a local Vite preview server. Forge will connect to the specified node.

## 3. Create Your First Agent

### Option A: Create from Scratch

1. On the Forge home screen, click **Create from Scratch**.
2. The 7-step wizard opens. Fill in each step:
   - **Identity** — Give your agent a name and description.
   - **Model** — Select a primary provider and model.
   - **Tools** — Drag tools from the available list.
   - **Orchestration** — Pick a pattern (e.g., `react`).
   - **Settings** — Configure memory and guardrails.
   - **Prompts** — Write your system prompt.
   - **Review & Deploy** — Preview the generated YAML and deploy.
3. Click **Deploy** to send the agent to the node.

### Option B: Start from a Template

1. On the Forge home screen, click **Start from Template**.
2. Browse the gallery and select a template that matches your use case (e.g., *Sales Qualifier*, *Support Agent*).
3. Fill in the template variables (company name, brand voice, etc.).
4. Optionally customize tools, model, or guardrails in the wizard.
5. Click **Deploy**.

## 4. Test Your Agent

Once deployed, you can test your agent directly from the Astromesh API:

```bash
curl -X POST http://localhost:8000/v1/agents/my-agent/run \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query": "Hello, what can you do?"}'
```

Or use the Forge dashboard to view agent status and manage deployed agents.

## Next Steps

- [Wizard Guide](/astromesh/forge/wizard-guide/) — Detailed walkthrough of each wizard step.
- [Canvas Guide](/astromesh/forge/canvas-guide/) — Learn to use the visual canvas editor.
- [Agent Templates](/astromesh/forge/templates/) — Browse all available templates.
- [Deployment](/astromesh/forge/deployment/) — Configure embedded and standalone modes.
