> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/get-started/branch-index.md).

# Get started

Start here if you’re new to Captivate. You’ll install the software, activate your license, learn the interface, and put your first graphic on air.

Most of the rest of the documentation assumes you’re familiar with the five main panels — Project List, Library, Preview, Program Monitor, and Properties. Don’t skip the interface chapter, even if you’ve used Captivate before.

## What’s in this section

* **Install and activate** — install Captivate on Windows or macOS, then activate the seat on this machine.
* **The Captivate interface** — the five-panel orientation (Project List, Library, Preview, Program Monitor, Properties), how to customize it, and how to manage channels in the Project List.
* **Your first graphic, on air** — find a graphic in the Library, drop it into the Project List, play it on, and take it to the Program Monitor.
* **macOS first-run permissions** — the screen-recording, camera, and microphone prompts macOS raises the first time Captivate launches.

## Related sections

* To drive that first graphic from live data, continue to [Play and update graphics](/play-and-update-graphics/branch-index.md). The step-by-step path picks up where **Your first graphic, on air** leaves off.
* To route Program Out to SDI, NDI, a virtual webcam, or a streaming service, see [Set up your production](/set-up-your-production/branch-index.md).
* If something isn’t working (activation won’t complete, the app won’t launch, the top bar is red), see [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting/branch-index.md).


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