# Getting Started

You're here because you want a personal AI assistant that actually does things. Good news: you're about 5 minutes away from having one.

This section covers everything you need to go from “what is this?” to “oh wow, it just ordered me lunch.”

[What is Vellum?The big picture. What it is, what it isn't, why it exists.](/docs/getting-started/what-is-vellum)

[→](/docs/getting-started/what-is-vellum)

[InstallationSign up for Vellum Cloud, install the desktop app, or self-host. (All easy, we promise.)](/docs/getting-started/installation)

[→](/docs/getting-started/installation)

[Quick StartYour first 5 minutes. From zero to "this is actually useful."](/docs/getting-started/quick-start)

[→](/docs/getting-started/quick-start)

[Self-improving SkillsHow your assistant turns completed work into reusable skills and improves them over time.](/docs/key-concepts/self-improving-skills)

[→](/docs/key-concepts/self-improving-skills)

No prior AI experience needed. No terminal wizardry required. Just sign up, open your assistant in the browser, and start talking.