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

# KaleidoSwap Desktop App: Getting Started

> Set up the KaleidoSwap Desktop App: what you need before you start, and the order to install, connect a node, create a wallet, and place a first swap

This is the path from a fresh install to a first swap. Each step links to the guide that covers it in full, so nothing here repeats what those guides already explain.

## Before You Start

To trade on the Desktop App you will need:

| Requirement        | Details                                                                                    |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Bitcoin**        | At least \~1M sats (0.01 BTC) recommended to fund a channel and cover fees                 |
| **LSP connection** | A Lightning Service Provider to open a channel through (the default LSP is pre-configured) |
| **RGB assets**     | Allocated inside your channel when you open it, or obtained via swap                       |

If you just want to explore the app without trading, you can install it and create a wallet without any funds first.

<Note>
  The network is fixed when an account is created and cannot be changed afterwards, so create a separate account per network. Regtest, Signet, Mutinynet, and Testnet are selectable today; Mainnet is not yet.
</Note>

## Setup Path

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install the app">
    Download a signed binary for your platform, or build from source. Verify the GPG signature before running it.

    [Installation](/desktop-app/getting-started/installation) · [Verify Binary Downloads](/desktop-app/getting-started/verify-binaries)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Decide where your node runs">
    The app needs an RGB Lightning Node. Run one locally for full control, or host it on a server and connect over the network. You can make this choice now or let account creation start a local node for you.

    [Node Hosting](/desktop-app/getting-started/node-hosting)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create an account">
    Name the account, pick its network, and generate a wallet. Save the recovery phrase offline — it is the only way back into the funds.

    [Creating a New Wallet](/desktop-app/wallet/creating-wallet) · [Initializing the Mnemonic](/desktop-app/wallet/initializing-mnemonic)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Unlock and let the node sync">
    Unlocking starts the node and syncs it to the chain. The first sync is the slowest one.

    [Unlocking Your Wallet](/desktop-app/wallet/unlocking-wallet)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fund the wallet">
    Deposit BTC on-chain. To receive RGB assets you also need a colored UTXO, which the app can create for you during the deposit.

    [Deposits](/desktop-app/wallet/deposits)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get a channel">
    Trading happens over Lightning, so you need a channel with liquidity. Open one with a peer directly, or buy one from an LSP with RGB assets already allocated inside it.

    [Opening a Channel](/desktop-app/channels/opening-channel) · [Order a New Channel](/desktop-app/channels/order-new-channel)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Make your first swap">
    Request a quote for a pair and settle it as an atomic swap. Either both legs complete, or neither does.

    [Asset Swaps](/desktop-app/trading/asset-swaps)
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

<Card title="Download the Desktop App" icon="download" href="https://github.com/kaleidoswap/desktop-app/releases">
  Get the latest KaleidoSwap Desktop App release for macOS, Windows, or Linux.
</Card>