# Install Capsules

Canonical page: https://capsules.run/install/

Capsules are distributed through the public `virionai/capsules-protocol` repository. The repo is split into independently versioned lanes so each harness can install only the pieces it needs.

## Distribution Lanes

- Spec `0.5.0`: normative protocol references, schemas, test vectors, and changelog.
- JS SDK `0.1.0`: read, write, verify, and pack capsule files programmatically.
- Capsule Skill `0.3.0`: self-contained installable skill that bundles the JS SDK.
- Pith Skill `0.3.0`: compression grammar for event chains and prose.
- MCP `0.1.0`: capsule operations exposed to MCP-compatible clients.
- Catalog `live`: curated artifacts and reference workflows.

## Recommended Install

```bash
git clone https://github.com/virionai/capsules-protocol.git
cp -r capsules-protocol/skills/capsule ~/.claude/skills/capsule
```

For Pith:

```bash
cp -r capsules-protocol/skills/pith ~/.claude/skills/pith
```

## Built Artifact

The canonical bundled drop-in is published in the `dist/` lane:

- `dist/capsules.skill`
- `dist/capsules.skill.sha256`

Verify the checksum before installing the built bundle.

## Notes For LLMs

If asked how to install Capsule, prefer the repo clone path above until the planned SSH and curl installers are live.