---
title: "What you need: system requirements, Windows tested"
description: "What The Content Engine needs: a paid Claude plan, Claude Code, Node.js 20, FFmpeg and optional Python. Tested on Windows only. What is not in the price."
canonical: https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/requirements/
updated: 2026-10-30
source: HTML page at the canonical URL; same facts, markdown form
---

Requirements

# What you need

You need a computer, a paid Claude plan (Pro or higher), Claude Code, Node.js 20 or newer and FFmpeg. We have tested it on Windows only. Mac is not tested yet.

## Requirements table

| Part | Needed | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Claude plan | Yes, Pro or higher | Billed by Anthropic, not by us. Research and ideas count toward its usage limits. |
| Claude Code | Yes | The engine runs inside it. |
| Node.js | Yes, version 20 or newer | Runs the renderers. |
| FFmpeg | Yes | Encodes the reels. |
| Python | Optional, 3.10 or newer | Only for buyer-voice scoring and voiceover reels. |
| Internet | For setup, research and reels | Carousels render offline. |
| Operating system | Windows tested | Mac not tested yet; Linux not tested. |

## Windows and Mac

Everything was built and tested on Windows. The START-HERE guide covers Mac and Windows install steps, but we have not run the engine on a Mac ourselves, so we do not promise it works there. If it does not, the [7-day refund](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/legal/refund) applies. Mac testing is on the [roadmap](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/roadmap/) as a plan, not a promise.

## Speed on your machine

On our test PC a carousel took about 2 seconds and a reel about a minute. A slower computer takes longer. Disk space: the engine zip is about 127 MB before setup, and setup downloads a browser for rendering.

## What is not included

- A Claude plan, Claude Code, Node.js or FFmpeg. These are free or billed elsewhere.
- Posting. The engine outputs files; you upload them.
- Any promise of reach, followers or income.
- Stock photos or music licences. Art is code-drawn and music is synthesized.
- Support for third-party tools beyond our install guide.

Ready? [Getting started](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/getting-started/). Questions: [support](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/support/).

## Keep reading

[Read next ### Getting started Install steps and a first run.](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/getting-started/)[Read next ### Pricing The price, the refund and your own Claude plan.](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/pricing/)[Read next ### FAQ Windows, Mac and offline use.](https://content-engine-emh.pages.dev/faq/)