The north star is simple: time from npm create proto@latest to a working prototype running in the iOS Simulator — under 60 seconds.

You need two things installed once before that command works. Both are free. Both are macOS-only.

Step 1 — Install Node.js

Node.js 18 or newer is the only prerequisite. Download the LTS version from nodejs.org and install it.

Download Node.js → 

You’ll know it worked when you can open Terminal and type:

node --version

If you see a version number, you’re done.

Step 2 — Install Xcode

Xcode is Apple’s developer tool. Prototo uses its iOS Simulator — the iPhone preview that runs on your Mac. You never need to open Xcode itself. Just install it.

Download Xcode free from the Mac App Store:

Download Xcode → 

After installing, open Terminal and run this once:

xcode-select --install

This installs the command line tools Xcode needs to run the Simulator.

Step 3 — Install Claude Code

Claude Code is the design tool. You’ll describe screens in plain language and it will write them into your project. There is no other prompt surface — Claude Code CLI is the only one.

Install it by running:

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

You’ll need an Anthropic account. Sign up at claude.ai if you don’t have one.

For better results with Figma files, current Expo APIs, and iOS-native interaction, see Configure Claude Code — optional, one-time setup.

Step 4 — Create your first Proto project

Once the above are done:

npm create proto@latest myapp

Proto scaffolds the project, installs dependencies silently, and opens the iOS Simulator. You’ll see the starter screen.

That’s it. You’re ready.