# Sign in and install the runtime

> Sign in with simforge login, accept the runtime's PolyForm Noncommercial license and SimForge's account and download terms, and install the closed runtime that simulates and renders.

Source: https://simforge.ai/docs/sign-in

Downloads need a SimForge account: the runtime and the maps are tied to the account that accepted their agreement. Create one at [simforge.ai](https://simforge.ai) with your email, or continue with Google or GitHub, then sign in from the CLI. Downloads and cloud runs need a verified email: open the link SimForge emails you after sign-up (Google and GitHub accounts are already verified). To get a new link, sign in at [simforge.ai/auth/verify-email](https://simforge.ai/auth/verify-email) and resend it.

## Sign in

```sh
simforge login                 # opens a browser to approve this machine
simforge login --device        # no browser here (SSH, CI): prints a URL and a short code
simforge whoami                # account, organization, workspace and scopes
```

`login` waits until you approve the request in a browser. The CLI keeps its tokens in the operating system's keychain, or in a file only you can read when there is no keychain; the output says which and why. `simforge auth status` checks the login with the host without printing any token: `tokenValid: true` means the host accepted it, and `emailVerification` says separately whether your email is verified (with the page that resends the link when it is not).

A login acts in the workspace of the organization you chose when approving it. Sign in again to switch. `simforge logout` revokes this machine's session and deletes its tokens.

## Read and accept the license and terms

The runtime is licensed under the [PolyForm Noncommercial License 1.0.0](https://polyformproject.org/licenses/noncommercial/1.0.0). Your SimForge account, downloads and the maps are covered by the SimForge account and download terms. You accept both together. Read the current version first:

```sh
simforge runtime license
```

In short: PolyForm Noncommercial lets you use, change and pass on the runtime for noncommercial purposes as it defines them (personal use, and use by noncommercial organizations such as universities, charities and public research bodies), keeping its license and the `Required Notice:` line (both ship in the runtime's `share/licenses/`). The account and download terms require signing in to download from SimForge and make [usage telemetry](/docs/telemetry) a condition of using SimForge's services and downloads. The maps are free for non-commercial use under the SimForge account and download terms and may not be redistributed. Commercial use needs a licence from SimForge. For a commercial licence or questions about the license and terms, write to [contact@simforge.ai](mailto:contact@simforge.ai). The text `runtime license` prints is what you accept; this summary is not.

## Install the runtime

```sh
simforge runtime install --accept-license
simforge runtime status
```

`--accept-license` accepts exactly the agreement version and digest the host serves now; without it the install stops with `agreement_acceptance_required`. The runtime is about 2.7 GB; the download prints no progress, is checked against its sha256 and only then installed. `runtime status` reports the installed runtime's version, protocol and capabilities (for example `capabilities.renderModes`).

Without a runtime, local commands fail with `runtime_not_installed`. Commands with `--cloud` do not need it.

## Errors you may see

| Code | Meaning | Do |
|---|---|---|
| `not_logged_in` | No login for this host | `simforge login` |
| `session_invalid` | The login expired or was revoked | `simforge login` again |
| `email_unverified` | The account's email is not verified yet | Open the link in your email, or resend it from the page the hint names, then retry |
| `agreement_unavailable` | This host publishes no agreement for downloads yet | Check the host (`simforge.ai` by default) |
| `agreement_acceptance_required` | The install was not told to accept the agreement | Read `simforge runtime license`, then add `--accept-license` |
| `entitlement_required` | This download is not available to your account | Pick another map or version; do not retry |