> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stagewhisper.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Download StageWhisper, create a Playbook, and run your first coaching session in under five minutes.

## Before you start

You need a StageWhisper account and an active plan. If you don't have one, [sign up here](https://dashboard.stagewhisper.io/signup) and pick a plan from $39/mo, or grab the Founders Edition for a one-time $399.

Check [requirements](/requirements) if you want to confirm your system is supported before downloading.

## Download and install

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get the app">
    Go to [dashboard.stagewhisper.io/download](https://dashboard.stagewhisper.io/download) and download the macOS installer. Open the `.dmg` file and drag StageWhisper into your Applications folder.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Grant permissions">
    When you first open StageWhisper, macOS will ask for two permissions:

    * Screen Recording (required to capture system audio from your call app)
    * Accessibility (required for the always-on-top overlay)

    Grant both. Without Screen Recording permission, StageWhisper cannot hear your call audio.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Log in">
    Click "Log in" on the control panel. This opens your browser where you authenticate with your StageWhisper account. The app picks up the session automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Create your first Playbook

A Playbook tells the AI what to listen for and how to coach you. You can write one in plain language.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open settings">
    Click the gear icon on the control panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to Playbooks">
    Select the Personality tab in settings. Click "New playbook."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill it in">
    Give it a name, a short description, and write your guidance. For example:

    ```text theme={null}
    You are coaching me during a sales discovery call.
    Listen for:
    - Whether I'm asking open-ended questions or leading ones
    - If the prospect mentions budget, timeline, or decision-makers
    - Moments where I talk too much instead of letting them speak

    Alert me when:
    - I miss an opportunity to dig deeper on something they said
    - The conversation is going off-track from discovery goals
    - They give a buying signal I should follow up on
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click save. Your Playbook is now available for any session.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>You can also record a voice message to personalize your Playbook. StageWhisper will extract your natural style and blend it with the written guidance.</Tip>

## Run your first session

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select a Playbook">
    Before starting, pick which Playbook to use for this session.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start listening">
    Click the "Listen" button on the control panel. StageWhisper begins capturing audio and analyzing the conversation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Watch for signals">
    During your call, coaching signals appear on screen. They're color-coded:

    * 🟢 Green: opportunities and positive observations
    * 🟠 Orange: things to be aware of
    * 🔴 Red: something that needs your attention now
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finish">
    When your call ends, click "Stop." Your session is saved and available for review in the [web dashboard](https://dashboard.stagewhisper.io).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Next steps

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Learn about Playbooks" icon="book" href="/guides/playbooks">
    Write better Playbooks with checklist topics, voice personalization, and templates.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Review your session" icon="scroll" href="/guides/session-review">
    Read the transcript, check which Playbook topics were covered, and review insights.
  </Card>
</Columns>