Getting Started with OPENRNDR
Download the code editor
To edit and run OPENRNDR programs, we will install an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) called IntelliJ IDEA.
- Download and install IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition (note: the paid version is called Ultimate).
- Start IntelliJ. On the first run it will offer the option to pick your default settings and continue. Use the default settings.
Download the template program
Instead of creating a project from scratch, the simplest way to start an OPENRNDR-based project is to use the openrndr-template:
- If you are running IntelliJ IDEA for the first time, the program menus are hidden. In that case click “Clone Repository” at the top-right area.
- If program menus are visible, select “File > New > Project from version control…”.
- In the dialog that appears:
- Version Control: choose “Git”.
- URL: enter
https://github.com/openrndr/openrndr-template - Directory: ensure it looks OK.
- When asked where the project should be opened, click on “new window”.
If downloading the template fails:
- Make sure Git is installed.
- Did you enter the repository URL correctly?
Run the template program
After downloading the template, IntelliJ IDEA will download the necessary dependencies. See the progress in the status bar at the bottom of the window.
When IntelliJ opens a project for the first time, its README.md file is presented automatically. This file contains hints to help you navigate the template project.
When the status bar in IntelliJ shows no more activity, go to the Project view (left panel) and click on src/main/kotlin/TemplateProgram.kt to open that file
Note: the Project view can be shown and hidden by clicking the Project button in the top-left area of the window.
Once the source code of TemplateProgram.kt is visible, a small green triangle will appear before the words fun main(). Click that triangle to run the program.
Ta-da!