Install Docker Desktop

Reelcraft runs inside Docker. Docker Desktop is the easiest way to get Docker: a normal app with windows and buttons. It is free for personal use and small businesses. If you already have Docker Desktop, skip to Run Reelcraft.

Windows

1. Download Docker Desktop for Windows from docker.com. Most computers need the AMD64 download; pick ARM64 only for an ARM laptop (such as one with a Snapdragon chip).
2. Run the installer. Keep Use WSL 2 instead of Hyper-V selected.
3. Restart Windows if the installer asks you to.
4. Open Docker Desktop from the Start menu and accept the terms. You can skip signing in.
5. If Docker Desktop says WSL needs an update, open PowerShell and run wsl --update, then start Docker Desktop again.

Wait until the bottom-left corner of Docker Desktop says Engine running.

Memory

With WSL 2, Docker can use up to half of your computer's memory, which is usually enough. On a computer with 8 GB, close other large apps while Reelcraft renders a video.

macOS

1. Find out which chip your Mac has: open the Apple menu → About This Mac. It says Apple M… (Apple Silicon) or Intel.
2. Download Docker Desktop for Mac from docker.com, choosing Apple Silicon or Intel to match.
3. Open the downloaded Docker.dmg and drag Docker into Applications.
4. Open Docker from Applications and accept the terms. Allow it when macOS asks for your password. You can skip signing in.

Wait until the bottom-left corner of Docker Desktop says Engine running.

Memory

In Docker Desktop, open Settings → Resources and check that Memory limit is at least 4 GB. Click Apply & restart if you change it.

Linux

You can use Docker Desktop for Linux or plain Docker Engine with the command line.

Docker Desktop for Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora and others): follow Docker's install guide for your distribution, then open Docker Desktop and wait until it says Engine running. In Settings → Resources, give it at least 4 GB of memory.

Docker Engine (no app, command line only): follow Docker's Engine install guide, then let your user run Docker without sudo:

sudo usermod -aG docker "$USER"

Log out and back in, and check that docker run --rm hello-world works.

Next: Run Reelcraft.