Getting Started
Beacon runs on your computer. You configure everything through a visual wizard in your browser, then upload a folder of static files to go live. No terminal skills required for the typical setup.
What You’ll Need
Section titled “What You’ll Need”Node.js 18 or newer. This is a free tool that runs Beacon’s setup wizard. If you’ve never heard of it, no worries. You’ll install it once and forget about it. Grab it from nodejs.org.
macOS, Windows, or Linux. Beacon works on all three.
Launching the Wizard
Section titled “Launching the Wizard”Unzip your Beacon download and look for the launch script that matches your system:
| Your OS | Double-click this file |
|---|---|
| macOS | Start Beacon (Mac).command |
| Windows | Start Beacon (Windows).bat |
| Linux | Start Beacon (Linux).sh |
The script handles everything behind the scenes: checking for Node.js, installing dependencies on first run, and opening your browser. Two things appear:
- The setup wizard at
http://localhost:3000, where you configure your site - A live preview at
http://localhost:4321, showing your site as you build it
The wizard puts both side by side. Settings on the left, your live site on the right. Every change you make shows up in the preview immediately.
Installing Node.js
Section titled “Installing Node.js”If the launch script tells you Node.js is missing:
macOS: The script will offer to install Node.js through Homebrew if you have it. Otherwise, download the installer from nodejs.org and run it.
Windows: Download the LTS installer from nodejs.org. Run it and accept the defaults.
Linux: Use your package manager or NodeSource:
sudo apt-get install -y nodejsAfter installing, double-click the launch script again.
Coming Back Later
Section titled “Coming Back Later”Close the wizard window when you’re done. To reopen it, double-click the same launch script. All your previous settings are still there.