/Requirements
Getting Started

Requirements

Detailed system and Claude Code requirements for OpenHelm.

Claude Code Requirements

OpenHelm runs Claude Code as its execution engine. You need:

  • Claude Code v2.0.0 or later
  • An active Anthropic account with API access
  • Claude Code authenticated (claude must work in your terminal)

OpenHelm auto-detects Claude Code in the following locations:

  • System PATH
  • Homebrew (/opt/homebrew/bin/claude, /usr/local/bin/claude)
  • Global npm installations

If your Claude Code binary is in a custom location, set it manually in Settings → Claude Code Path.

macOS Permissions

OpenHelm is a standard macOS desktop application. On first launch, macOS may request:

  • Notifications (optional) — to notify you when jobs complete or fail

No other special permissions are required.

Hardware

  • macOS 13 (Ventura) or later
  • Apple Silicon (M1 or later) or Intel Mac
  • Recommended: 8 GB RAM when running multiple jobs concurrently

Running Jobs Unattended

OpenHelm's scheduler runs while the app is open. For fully automated background execution:

  • Keep the app running in the background — it uses minimal resources when idle
  • Ensure your Mac does not sleep during scheduled job windows
  • For reliable overnight automation, use a Mac that stays on (Mac mini, Mac Studio), or configure your MacBook's Energy Saver settings to prevent sleep when plugged in