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Bolly supports multiple installation methods depending on your use case. All methods are self-hosted — your data stays on your machine.

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Installation Methods

MethodBest ForPlatformsComputer Use
One-Line InstallFastest setup, personal useLinux, macOSNo
DockerProduction, servers, easy updatesAny (Docker required)No
Desktop AppFull experience with computer controlmacOS, Windows, LinuxYes
From SourceContributing, customizationAny (Rust + Node.js required)Yes (desktop)

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System Requirements

Minimum Hardware

  • 2 CPU cores
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 500 MB disk space (plus storage for memory/drops)
  • Internet connection (for LLM API calls)

Supported Platforms

  • Linux: x86_64, aarch64 (Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 11+, Fedora 36+, Arch)
  • macOS: Apple Silicon (M1+, macOS 12+)
  • Windows: x86_64 (Windows 10+, desktop app only)
  • Docker: Any platform with Docker Engine 20+

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Required API Keys

Bolly uses a BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) model. You need at minimum:
KeyProviderRequiredPurpose
Anthropicconsole.anthropic.comYesChat, reasoning, all tool use
Google AIaistudio.google.comNoVector memory search, video/audio analysis
ElevenLabselevenlabs.ioNoText-to-speech voice output
See the API Keys guide for detailed setup instructions for each provider.

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Data Directory

All Bolly data lives in ~/.bolly/ by default (configurable via BOLLY_HOME environment variable): 
~/.bolly/
├── config.toml              # Main configuration file
└── instances/
    └── {instance-slug}/
        ├── soul.md          # Personality definition
        ├── heartbeat.md     # Heartbeat behavior rules
        ├── mood.json        # Current emotional state
        ├── memory/          # Persistent memory library
        ├── drops/           # Autonomous creative artifacts
        ├── uploads/         # User-uploaded files
        ├── skills/          # Installed skill plugins
        └── chats/
            └── {chat_id}/
                └── rig_history.json

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What’s Next

Pick your installation method and follow the guide:

One-Line Install

The fastest path — a single curl command.

Docker

Containerized deployment with persistent volumes.

Desktop App

Native app with computer use support.

From Source

Build everything from the repository.