---
title: Setup and keys
description: Install the CLI, add a fal key, and know whose money a run spends.
sidebar:
  label: Setup and keys
---

## Install

```sh
npm install -g @howells/motif-cli
```

This gives you the `motif` command. Run `motif` on its own for help, and `motif <command> --help` for one command.

## Add your fal key

Motif runs its Models on [fal](https://fal.ai). Get a key at [fal.ai/dashboard/keys](https://fal.ai/dashboard/keys), then set it in your environment.

```sh
export FAL_KEY=…
```

Motif reads the key from your environment and never sends it anywhere but fal. You can also store it as `apiKey` in `~/.motif/config.json`.

A dry run needs no key. `--dry-run` chooses the Model and prices the call without contacting fal, so you can try any command before you have an account.

## Environment variables

| Variable | Needed for |
| --- | --- |
| `FAL_KEY` | Every run on fal, which is most of them. Not needed for `--dry-run`. |

If a key is missing, the command stops with `MISSING_API_KEY` and exit code 3, and names the variable to set.