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

# CLI Quick Start

> Install Summer Engine, create projects, run the engine, and connect your IDE. Claude Code, Cursor, and Devin Desktop use the MCP to control Summer Engine.

## What is the CLI?

The Summer Engine CLI lets you install the engine, create projects, run the engine, and connect your AI IDE (Claude Code, Cursor, Devin Desktop) to Summer Engine. Add the MCP config to your IDE and it will spawn the MCP server. You chat with the AI in your IDE, and the AI uses MCP tools to manipulate scenes, run the game, and debug.

Use `npx summer-engine` (no install) or `summer` (after global install).

## Install the Engine

```bash theme={null}
npx summer-engine install
```

Downloads and installs Summer Engine to your system (macOS: `/Applications/Summer.app`, Windows: default location). No npm global install required.

## Sign In

```bash theme={null}
npx summer-engine login
```

Opens your browser to sign in with Google, GitHub, or email. Saves your session and the [Summer Cloud](/guides/summer-cloud) token used for project sync.

## Create a Project

```bash theme={null}
npx summer-engine create 3d-basic my-game
```

Creates a new project from a template. Templates: `empty` (minimal 3D) or `3d-basic` (camera, light, floor).

## Run the Engine

```bash theme={null}
npx summer-engine run my-game
```

Launches Summer Engine with your project. The engine must be running for MCP tools to work.

## Start MCP (for Cursor, Claude Code, Devin Desktop)

Add this to your IDE's MCP config. The IDE spawns `summer mcp` when it connects. You don't run it manually:

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "summer-engine": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["summer-engine", "mcp"]
    }
  }
}
```

See [MCP setup](/mcp/setup) for IDE-specific instructions.

## Full CLI Reference

| Command                           | Description                                |
| --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| `summer install`                  | Download and install Summer Engine         |
| `summer login`                    | Sign in via browser                        |
| `summer logout`                   | Clear auth tokens                          |
| `summer status`                   | Check engine status, port, auth            |
| `summer run [path]`               | Launch engine, optionally with project     |
| `summer open <path>`              | Open project in running engine             |
| `summer create <template> [name]` | Create project from template               |
| `summer list templates`           | Show available templates                   |
| `summer list projects`            | Show projects in current directory         |
| `summer cloud push`               | Sync project changes to Summer Cloud       |
| `summer cloud pull`               | Sync Summer Cloud changes into the project |
| `summer skills list`              | List available skills                      |
| `summer skills install <name>`    | Install a skill to \~/.summer/skills/      |
| `summer mcp`                      | Start MCP server (used by IDEs)            |

<Card title="Full CLI Reference" icon="list" href="/mcp/cli-reference">
  All commands with options, examples, and file locations
</Card>

***

[← MCP overview](/mcp/overview) · [MCP setup →](/mcp/setup)