# How to Install Backdrop: Desktop App Setup Guide (/docs/install)



Everything you need to do once, before your first call. It takes about two minutes.

<Callout title="What you need">
  A Mac or Windows machine and a **work email**. Backdrop signs you in with
  Google, Microsoft, or an email link. No invite code required.
</Callout>

## Step 1: Download Backdrop [#step-1-download-backdrop]

Go to [getbackdrop.ai/get](/get). The download starts
automatically and the page detects whether you're on macOS or Windows. If it
doesn't start, use the **download Backdrop manually** link on that page.

<Callout title="On your phone?">
  The `/get` page has a **Send link** field. Enter your work email and Backdrop
  will send you a link to open later on your computer.
</Callout>

## Step 2: Install the app [#step-2-install-the-app]

<Tabs items="[&#x22;macOS&#x22;, &#x22;Windows&#x22;]">
  <Tab value="macOS">
    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Open **Backdrop.dmg** from your Downloads folder.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Drag the **Backdrop** icon into your **Applications** folder.

        <Screenshot src="/images/docs/install/drag-to-applications.png" alt="The Backdrop disk image, showing the app icon being dragged into the Applications folder" size="full" />
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Open **Backdrop** from Applications.

        The first time you launch it, macOS may warn that Backdrop was
        downloaded from the internet. That's expected. Click **Open**.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab value="Windows">
    <Steps>
      <Step>
        Run **Backdrop-setup.exe** from your Downloads folder.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Accept the installer defaults. Installation takes about a minute.
      </Step>

      <Step>
        Open **Backdrop** from the Start menu.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Step 3: Sign in [#step-3-sign-in]

On first launch you'll see the welcome screen. Click **Sign up or sign in**.

<Screenshot src="/images/docs/install/welcome-sign-in.png" alt="Backdrop's welcome screen with the Sign up or sign in button" size="full" />

Backdrop hands off to your browser to authenticate. Pick one of three methods:

* **Google**: fastest if you're on Google Workspace
* **Microsoft**: for Microsoft 365 accounts
* **Email address**: enter your work email and continue

<Screenshot src="/images/docs/install/sign-in-options.png" alt="The Backdrop sign-in page offering Google, Microsoft, or email address" size="lg" />

<Callout type="warn" title="Use your work email">
  Backdrop works best when it's connected to the calendar you actually take
  meetings on. A personal address won't see your work meetings, and won't match
  your team's workspace.
</Callout>

Once you've signed in, the browser hands you back to the desktop app
automatically. When the main Backdrop window appears, you're in.

## Step 4: Set up your screen [#step-4-set-up-your-screen]

This is the single most important thing for a smooth first call. Backdrop is
designed to live on your screen while you share, but only if you set it up right.

### Recommended: dual-monitor setup [#recommended-dual-monitor-setup]

Two monitors is the cleanest setup:

* **Monitor 1**: your presentation, demo, or deck (the one you share)
* **Monitor 2**: Backdrop, your notes, and anything else you reference

With two monitors, you never toggle between windows during a call, and Backdrop
is physically on a screen the prospect can't see.

### Single monitor: share a specific window [#single-monitor-share-a-specific-window]

If you only have one screen, **share a specific window**, not your entire
desktop. Every major conferencing tool lets you pick a single window:

* In Zoom, click **Share Screen** and choose the specific app window instead of "Desktop 1"
* In Google Meet, choose **A window** instead of **Your entire screen**
* In Teams, pick the specific window from the share tray

When you share a specific window, Backdrop stays on your desktop but is never
broadcast.

<Callout type="warn" title="Avoid full-screen sharing">
  If you share your entire screen or desktop, the prospect can see Backdrop. If
  you must share full-screen, enable **Hide from Screen** (see below).
</Callout>

### Backup: Hide from Screen [#backup-hide-from-screen]

For situations where you need to share full-screen (for example, a deck in
presenter mode), Backdrop has a built-in **Hide from Screen** feature that keeps
the widget invisible to screen sharing, recording, and screenshot tools.

Support varies by OS and conferencing app. See
[Hide from Screen: Supported Apps](/docs/hide-from-screen) for the full compatibility
list.

***

## Next step [#next-step]

You're installed and ready. Next up: [During a Call](/docs/during-a-call). The
anatomy of the in-call UI and how to drive it in real time.