helios-getting-started

Guide Helios users through installing core and renderer packages and creating their first composition file.

Updated Feb 3, 2026

Search Tags:#composition #playwright #installation #getting-started #node #renderer #helios

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/BintzGavin/helios-skills --skill helios-getting-started

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: helios-getting-started
Source: https://github.com/BintzGavin/helios-skills/tree/main/skills/getting-started
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/BintzGavin/helios-skills --skill helios-getting-started

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Helios setup and quick-start guidance to reduce the barrier to starting a new project.

Core Features & Use Cases

Module-based installation: install only what you need (core, renderer, optional player) to minimize setup overhead.
Quick project bootstrap: create a composition file, initialize Helios, and bind to the document timeline for immediate development.
Rendering options: render to video via CLI or the Renderer package to produce MP4 outputs.

Quick Start

Create a new composition file, install the core and renderer packages, initialize Helios, and render your first video.

Frequently Asked Questions about helios-getting-started

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I install Helios and render my first video composition?▼

To install Helios, add the @helios-project/core and @helios-project/renderer packages to your Node.js project. You then create a composition file, bind it to the document timeline, and render the output to an MP4 video.

What is a Helios composition and how does it bind to the document timeline?▼

A Helios composition is a file that defines your video structure. You initialize the core package and bind this composition to the document timeline, which enables immediate development and rendering synchronization within your Node.js environment.

Do I need Playwright to use the Helios renderer package?▼

Playwright is an optional dependency for browser-driven rendering. You can render to video via the Renderer package or CLI, but utilizing Playwright provides an alternative method for generating MP4 outputs.

Can I install only the Helios core package without the renderer?▼

Yes, Helios supports module-based installation. You can install only the @helios-project/core package to minimize setup overhead, adding the renderer or optional player packages only when needed.

What Node.js version is required for setting up a Helios project?▼

Setting up a Helios project requires Node.js 18 or higher. You also need a package manager like npm or yarn to install the core and renderer packages before initializing your composition file.

Are there limitations when rendering Helios compositions via CLI versus the renderer package?▼

Both CLI and the @helios-project/renderer package produce MP4 video outputs. The renderer package integrates directly into your code workflow, while CLI provides a direct command-line method, with Playwright offering optional browser rendering.