Install
Install the shads CLI, then use shads install. The three Free-tagged themes install without signing in:
npm install -g @shadsapp/cli
shads install system-modern-default-theme
Sign in
For another catalog theme, sign in to shads.app, save the theme to your library, then copy its command from Get theme. Use the single API key for your account to sign in to the CLI:
shads login
shads whoami
Paste the API key when prompted. Regenerating it in Account settings disconnects tools using the previous key.
Activations
A saved theme activates on its first install, including installs from the CLI. Free accounts get three lifetime activations. An activated theme can be installed any number of times; deleting it does not refund an activation. Pro includes unlimited activations.
For MCP installs and agent prompts, see the MCP guide. For public registry URLs, see the registry guide.