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How to install the Picsart CLI on Mac, Linux, and Windows

CLI3 minBeginner

Install gen-ai CLI in under 3 minutes and start generating images, video, and audio from your terminal.

How to install the Picsart CLI on Mac, Linux, and Windows

What you'll learn

  • Install the CLI using shell script, PowerShell, or npm
  • Verify your installation works correctly
  • Understand which install method to use for your operating system

What is the Picsart CLI?

The Picsart gen-ai CLI is a command-line tool that lets you generate images, video, and audio from your terminal. It gives you access to 130+ AI models including Flux, Sora, Kling, Veo, Runway, and ElevenLabs. Think of it as your creative control center — instead of juggling multiple vendor accounts and APIs, you get one command that works everywhere.

Common use cases

  • Developers: Automate asset generation in build scripts and CI pipelines
  • Designers: Generate variations from your terminal without opening a browser
  • Marketers: Batch-create campaign assets with consistent prompts
  • AI agents: Wire native creative tools into Claude Code, Cursor, or Windsurf
  • Content creators: Script video production workflows end-to-end

Install the CLI step by step

STEP 1: Choose your install method

  • On macOS/Linux: Copy the shell install command from picsart.com/cli
  • On Windows: Copy the PowerShell install command, or use npm install -g @picsart/gen-ai
Get install command

STEP 2: Run the install command

Paste the command into your terminal and press Enter:

  • Shell script (Mac/Linux): Downloads and installs the CLI automatically
  • PowerShell (Windows): Downloads and adds gen-ai to your PATH
  • npm: Installs globally if you already have Node.js
  • Installation takes 10-30 seconds depending on your connection speed

STEP 3: Verify the installation

Close and reopen your terminal, then run gen-ai --version. You should see a version number like 1.0.0. If you see 'command not found', restart your terminal or check that the install script completed without errors.

STEP 4: Confirm everything works

Check that the CLI responds correctly: Not working? Try running the install command again, or check that your PATH includes the CLI directory.

  • Run gen-ai --help to see all available commands
  • Verify you see commands like generate, login, and pricing
  • If you see a help menu, you're ready to authenticate and start generating
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Tips for best results

💡 Use npm if you already have Node.js

If you're a developer with Node installed, npm install -g @picsart/gen-ai is the fastest method. You can update later with npm update -g @picsart/gen-ai.

💡 Restart your terminal after installing

The install script modifies your PATH, but your current terminal session won't pick up the change until you close and reopen it.

💡 Check your shell config if gen-ai isn't found

If the command still doesn't work after restarting, the installer may have added the PATH line to the wrong config file. Check ~/.zshrc (Mac) or ~/.bashrc (Linux) and add the gen-ai path manually if needed.

Frequently asked questions

No dependencies required for the shell or PowerShell install methods. If you choose the npm method, you'll need Node.js 18 or later installed first. The shell script installs a standalone binary that works on any modern Mac or Linux system. Windows users can use PowerShell or npm — both work equally well.

Yes. The shell script installs to your home directory by default, so you don't need sudo or admin privileges. On Windows, the PowerShell method installs to your user directory. Only the npm method might need admin rights if your Node.js installation requires it.

Run the install command again — it detects your existing installation and updates in place. If you used npm, run npm update -g @picsart/gen-ai. The CLI checks for updates automatically and notifies you when a new version is available.

Your terminal hasn't loaded the updated PATH yet. Close and reopen your terminal, then try again. If it still doesn't work, the install script may have modified the wrong shell config file — check ~/.zshrc on Mac or ~/.bashrc on Linux and verify the gen-ai path was added. On Windows, restart PowerShell with a fresh session.

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