> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.one.thezero.club/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.one.thezero.club/guide/installation/local-environment.md).

# Local install

Running Zero One locally is the easiest way to explore the theme, test customizations, and build your website before publishing it online.

### Recommended Local Development Tools

Zero One works with any environment capable of running [Kirby's requirements](/guide/installation.md#requirements).

**Popular options include:**

* [Laravel Herd](https://herd.laravel.com/) (**recommended**)
* MAMP
* XAMPP
* WAMP
* Local PHP server (`php -S`)
* Any other PHP development environment

{% hint style="success" %}
**Recommended:** Laravel Herd provides one of the simplest local development experiences and works extremely well with Kirby.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
Warning: MAMP is having issues on MAC in the latest macOS versions because of permission changes. 
{% endhint %}

***

### Install Zero One Locally

#### Step 1

Start your local development server.

Run `php -S localhost:8000 kirby/router.php` or launch your preferred application such as Laravel Herd, MAMP, XAMPP, or WAMP.

#### Step 2

Copy the contents of the `zero-one/` folder from the downloaded files into your web root.

If you want to start with a different demo, you can import its content later as explained in the [Installation & Setup guide](/guide/installation.md#how-to-install-a-demo).

#### Step 3

Open your website in the browser.

Examples:

or

```
http://localhost:8000
```

or

```
http://localhost/your-folder-name
```

Or, if you are using Laravel Herd

```
https://my-website.test
```

#### Step 4

Open the Kirby Panel:

```
http://localhost/your-folder-name/panel
```

or

```
https://my-website.test/panel
```

#### Step 5

Create your administrator account and log in.

{% hint style="success" %}
If you can access the Panel and create an administrator account, your Zero One installation is working correctly.
{% endhint %}

#### Step 6

Explore the demo, settings, pages, and theme features.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Email sending is often disabled or limited in local development environments. If contact forms are not sending emails locally, this is usually expected behavior and not a Zero One issue.
{% endhint %}

***

### First Load May Be Slower

The first few page loads may feel slower than expected.

This is completely normal.

When Zero One runs for the first time, Kirby needs to generate:

* Image thumbnails
* WebP image versions
* Cached assets
* Other generated files

Once these files exist, the website will become noticeably faster.

***

### If Styles Look Broken

If styles are missing or the layout doesn't look correct:

1. Open the Panel.
2. Navigate to **Site → Styling**.
3. Enable **Style Compiler**.
4. Save.
5. Refresh any frontend page.
6. Wait a few seconds.
7. Disable **Style Compiler** again.

This forces Zero One to regenerate its compiled styles.

***

### URL Rewriting & Cachebusting

For the best experience, your local environment should support URL rewriting.

Without URL rewriting, some Zero One features may not behave as expected, and asset caching may not work correctly.

Most modern local development environments enable URL rewriting automatically.

If your environment doesn't support URL rewriting:

1. Open the Panel.
2. Navigate to Site Settings.
3. Disable Cachebusting.

You can safely re-enable it later when deploying to a properly configured server.

{% hint style="info" %}
A local environment is intended for development and testing only. Before launching a public website, make sure you also read the Server Installation guide.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you are having any problems with installation, don't hesitate to [get in touch with us](/support.md).
{% endhint %}