> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alterhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Get started with Alter in three simple steps

## Get started in three steps

Start using Alter to boost your productivity with AI assistance.

### Step 1: Download and Install

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="download" title="Download Alter">
    Download Alter from our [website](https://alterhq.com/beta) or the Mac App Store.

    System requirements:

    * macOS 15.0 or later
    * Apple Silicon or Intel Mac
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="gear" title="Complete Setup">
    1. Open the downloaded DMG and drag Alter to your Applications folder
    2. Launch Alter from Applications
    3. Grant required permissions when prompted (Accessibility, Microphone, Screen Recording)

    <Tip>Alter needs these permissions to provide full functionality like reading selected text and capturing context.</Tip>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Step 2: Initial Configuration

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="user" title="Set up your profile">
    Open **Settings** (⌘,) and go to the **Profile** tab:

    * Tell Alter about yourself and your role
    * Share what you're working on
    * Set your preferred communication style
    * Add any technical references or explainers for tools you use

    This helps Alter provide more relevant and personalized responses.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="keyboard" title="Configure your hotkeys">
    In **Settings > Defaults**:

    * Set your **Quick Menu** shortcut (default: Alt+Space)
    * Enable the **Selection Button** for quick access when selecting text
    * Adjust other preferences as needed
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Step 3: Start Using Alter

<Accordion icon="rocket" title="Try your first interaction">
  1. **Open Alter**: Hover over your Mac's notch or press your Quick Menu shortcut
  2. **Type a prompt**: Ask a question or give a command
  3. **Add context**: Drag files or use `@` to add context
  4. **Use voice**: Hold the mic icon or press your dictation key to speak

  <Tip>Press `/` in the prompt box to see available AI models and select your favorite!</Tip>
</Accordion>

## Next steps

Now that you're set up, explore these key features:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Core Features" icon="sparkles" href="/getting-started/core-features">
    Discover AppSense, Follow Mode, actions, and workspaces.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Voice Commands" icon="microphone" href="/workflows/dictation">
    Master speech-to-text and voice automation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use Flow" icon="wand-magic-sparkles" href="/workflows/use-flow-orchestration">
    Let one tool orchestrator handle the right actions automatically.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Control Context" icon="compress" href="/how-to/managing-context-window">
    Keep your conversations accurate and fast over time.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  **Need help?** Check our [FAQ](/references/faq-core), join our [Discord](https://discord.gg/gvCMmfBRWZ), or email [hi@alterhq.com](mailto:hi@alterhq.com).
</Note>