# Installation

> How to install Cortexcn components in your project with the shadcn CLI.

Source: https://ui.cortexcn.dev/docs/installation

Cortexcn components are distributed through a shadcn registry. You add them with the shadcn CLI, and the component source is copied into your project.

Cortexcn is listed in the [shadcn registry directory](https://ui.shadcn.com/docs/directory), so the CLI already knows the `@cortexcn` namespace. There is nothing to configure before your first install.

## Prerequisites

Before installing Cortexcn components, make sure you have shadcn/ui set up in your project. If you haven't already, run:

```bash
npx shadcn@latest init
```

## Install components

Install any Cortexcn component using the CLI:

```bash
npx shadcn@latest add @cortexcn/button
```

This will:

- Download the component source code into your project
- Install any npm packages the component needs
- Install any other Cortexcn components it depends on

For example, `@cortexcn/dialog` pulls in `@cortexcn/button`, and `@cortexcn/command` pulls in `@cortexcn/dialog` and `@cortexcn/input-group`.

## Pin the registry URL (optional)

The directory maps `@cortexcn` to `https://ui.cortexcn.dev/r/{name}.json` for you. If you would rather keep that address in your project, add it to the `registries` field in your `components.json`:

```json
{
  "registries": {
    "@cortexcn": "https://ui.cortexcn.dev/r/{name}.json"
  }
}
```

Installs work the same either way.

## Check before you install

Add `--dry-run` to any `add` command to see every file and package it would add, without writing anything:

```bash
npx shadcn@latest add @cortexcn/hero-cover-01 --dry-run
```

Each item records its license and a revision. Cortexcn items are MIT licensed. A few are adapted from Apache-2.0 projects, and name the project. Every script file the CLI writes carries a comment below its imports with the item, its revision, and its license.

Every revision stays at a fixed URL, so you can install exactly the one you reviewed:

```bash
npx shadcn@latest add https://ui.cortexcn.dev/r/v/hero-cover-01/912eb1a56a04.json
```

The [MCP Server](https://ui.cortexcn.dev/docs/integration/mcp#what-your-assistant-sees-before-it-installs) page has the details.

## Next Steps

You're all set. Browse the [Components](https://ui.cortexcn.dev/docs/components) section to start adding components to your project.