Setup & Install Instructions
Follow these steps to install dependencies. PDF tools require pdf-lib. Image and developer tools work without extra packages.
Instructions for AI agents
Copy this prompt and give it to your agent:
Read and follow every step on the ToolsGarage setup page. Open src/lib/setup/instructions.ts or visit /setup in the running app. Install all listed npm packages, run npm install, then npm run build to verify. Do not skip PDF tool dependencies (pdf-lib).Source file: src/lib/setup/instructions.ts
Quick install (copy all commands)
npm installnpm install pdf-libnpm run devStep-by-step
Go to the project folder
Open a terminal in the ToolsGarage project root (where package.json lives).
cd path/to/toolsgarageInstall all dependencies
Run npm install. This installs Next.js, React, Tailwind, lucide-react, and pdf-lib from package.json.
npm installRequires network access. If npm is slow, wait until it completes.
Install PDF library (if step 2 did not include it)
PDF tools need pdf-lib. It is already listed in package.json — run this only if PDF tools show a missing-library error.
npm install pdf-libStart the development server
Run the dev server and open the site in your browser.
npm run devOpen http://localhost:3000 — PDF and image tools should work in the browser.
Verify the build
Run a production build to confirm there are no compile errors.
npm run buildRun production server (optional)
After a successful build, start the production server locally.
npm startTool dependencies
Which tools need extra npm packages
| Tool | Package | Status |
|---|---|---|
| JSON Formatter | None (browser only) | Ready |
| UUID Generator | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Password Generator | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Word Counter | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Age Calculator | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Percentage Calculator | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Case Converter | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Base64 Encoder | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Regex Tester | None (browser only) | Ready |
| QR Code Generator | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Image Compressor | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Image Resizer | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Image Converter | None (browser only) | Ready |
| Merge PDF | pdf-lib ^1.17.1 | Needs pdf-lib |
| Split PDF | pdf-lib ^1.17.1 | Needs pdf-lib |
| Rotate PDF | pdf-lib ^1.17.1 | Needs pdf-lib |
| JPG to PDF | pdf-lib ^1.17.1 | Needs pdf-lib |
PDF tools (Merge PDF, Split PDF, Rotate PDF, JPG to PDF) require:
npm install pdf-lib13 tools work immediately with no extra install.
Optional packages
qrcode
Real scannable QR codes (current QR tool uses canvas pattern)
npm install qrcodeTroubleshooting
Build shows warning: Can't resolve pdf-lib
Expected before npm install pdf-lib. Run npm install pdf-lib — the warning will disappear and PDF tools will work.
PDF tools still show a missing-library message
Run npm install pdf-lib then restart npm run dev
npm install fails with permission errors
Do not use sudo. Fix npm permissions or use a user-owned project folder.
Port 3000 already in use
Run npm run dev -- -p 3001 to use another port
Build fails after adding packages
Delete .next folder, run npm install again, then npm run build