The easiest way to start building a Pebble watchface or app is with the Cloud IDE - no installation required. It runs entirely in your browser!
Otherwise, if you are somewhat command-line knowledgeable, you can follow the instructions below to install the SDK locally on your computer.
You'll need Python 3.10 or above, not the MacOS default installation of 3.9. To install a newer version of Python using Homebrew, run:
brew install python
You will need to install a few dependencies to make the SDK run.
sudo apt install python3-pip python3-venv nodejs npm libsdl1.2debian libfdt1
Note: if you already have
nodeinstalled, you can install only:
sudo apt install libsdl1.2debian libfdt1
The Pebble SDK does not run on Windows, but you can use WSL. Install Ubuntu in WSL, and then use the instructions above to install dependencies.
Install uv, a fast package manager for Python.
Then, run:
uv tool install pebble-tool
Now that you have the Pebble SDK downloaded and installed on your computer, it is time to create your first app!
Install the latest SDK:
pebble sdk install latest
Create a project (for example, called myproject):
pebble new-project myproject
Compile the project (after cding to your project directory):
pebble build
Install the app on an emulator for the Pebble Time:
pebble install --emulator basalt
Or, install the app/watchface on your phone.
Requires the new Pebble mobile app (install at rePebble.com/app) -> go to Devices -> tap 3 dots -> Enable Dev Connect -> Sign into GitHub. Then back on your computer, run
pebble login # Sign into GitHub
pebble install --cloudpebble
The best way to learn is by checking out our examples apps: weather, simple game, concentricity watchface, and many more! Or try tutorials for a step-by-step guide on how to write a simple C Pebble application.
If you have any issues with downloading or installing the Pebble SDK, feel free to post your comments in #sdk-dev in the
Rebble Discord. Please provide as many details as you can about the issues
you may have encountered.
Tip: Copying and pasting commands from your Terminal output will help a great deal.