Install Bot Framework Composer
APPLIES TO: Composer v2.x
Get started with Bot Framework Composer by installing the desktop application for your preferred operating system (OS).
Composer is optimized for x64
architectures on Windows, macOS, and Linux. For more information, see Recommended operating systems and architectures.
If the desktop app isn't suited to your needs, you can build Composer from source or host Composer in the cloud.
If you're on an internal network, you might need to Configure your proxy server before you can use Composer.
Templates are the means for building conversational experiences. Composer supports Node.js and C# templates. To ensure Composer is enabled for both types of templates, you'll need to address two prerequisites.
Note
When you create a new project, Composer will warn you if the required prerequisites aren't installed.
The Node.js JavaScript runtime with the npm package manager ensures Composer supports Node.js templates.
Install Node.js LTS 14.x with npm.
Node.js and npm are mandatory requirements for Composer.
For C# template support, Composer requires the .NET Core SDK.
Install .NET Core SDK 3.1 or later.
This .NET requirement must be addressed if you plan to build bots with C#.
Use the tabs below to select an operating system and download Composer.
Follow these instructions to install and run Composer.
- Locate the
AppImage
for Composer. - Allow the
AppImage
to run as a program. - Select the Composer
AppImage
to start the application and enjoy your bot-building journey!
You can enable auto updates from Composer's Application Settings page. When auto updates are enabled, Composer will check for and install updates each time it's closed. Follow these steps to enable auto updates:
- Select Composer settings in the navigation pane, then Application Settings.
- Locate Auto update in the Application updates section. Set the toggle to On.
That's it. Auto updates are now enabled for Composer.
If you'd like to learn more about Composer settings, see Application settings.
If you prefer to manually update Composer, follow these steps:
- To check for updates, select Help from Composer's top menu bar, then Check for updates.
- The New update available window shows the most recent Composer version. There are two update options available: Install the update and restart Composer and Download now and install when you close Composer. Select the option that meets your needs.
- After you see the Update complete window, select Okay to reinstall and restart Composer.
If you have an older version of Composer and want to update to the latest stable release, see Bot Framework Composer releases.
To try new features as soon as they're available, use the nightly builds.
Note
The nightly builds include pre-release features and may change how some operations are performed. The Composer documentation supports the latest stable release of Composer, and some aspects of the nightly builds may not work as described in the documentation. For more information about nightly builds, see Application settings.
- Select Composer settings from the main menu then Application Settings.
- In the Application Updates section, set Early adopters to On.
- Go to the application's menu bar and select Help, then Check for Updates. You'll see the most recent nightly build available.
In this article, you learned how to install Composer for your preferred OS. Next, learn how to build your first bot or how to configure a proxy server.
- If you're on a private network, you might need to configure your proxy server before using Composer. Check with your network administrator or IT department whether you need to use a proxy with Composer.
- Otherwise, you can Create your first bot with Composer.