# Install the Kick CLI

The Kick CLI is the `kick` command. It lets you run Kick workflows from a terminal, script, or agent.

### Before you start

You need:

* A Kick account with access to the client workspace you want to review.
* Permission from your firm to use CLI automation for client work.
* A terminal on your computer.
* Node.js LTS and npm.

### Check Node.js and npm

The Kick CLI is distributed through npm, so your computer needs Node.js and npm first. Check whether they are already installed:

```
node --version
npm --version
```

If either command is missing, install the current Node.js LTS release from [Node.js downloads](https://nodejs.org/en/download/). Node.js includes npm.

npm's docs recommend using a Node version manager when possible because it avoids common permission issues with global installs.

### Get the CLI

Install the Kick CLI from npm, then verify the `kick` command is available:

```
npm install -g @kickfinance/cli
kick --help
```

You can also run the CLI without a global install. This is useful when you want to try the command first or avoid installing a global package:

```
npx @kickfinance/cli --help
```

Developers building from the Kick monorepo can build the CLI workspace and run the generated binary:

```
npm run build --workspace kick-cli
./agentTools/cli/dist/kick --help
```

### Confirm the command path

If an app or agent cannot find `kick`, use the absolute path to the binary in that tool's configuration.

On macOS or Linux, check the path with:

```
which kick
```

On Windows, check the path with:

```
where kick
```

Use the full path when a client launches commands with a minimal environment.

### Next step

After `kick --help` works, continue to [Authenticate and Select Workspace](https://github.com/KickApp/kick-accountant-help-center/blob/main/ai-and-automation/cli/example-workflows/authenticate-and-select-workspace.md).


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