The easiest way to start building a Pebble watchface or app is with CloudPebble - 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 will need to install Node.js. The easiest way is with Homebrew:
brew install node
You will need to install a few dependencies to make the SDK run:
sudo apt install nodejs npm libsdl2-2.0-0 libglib2.0-0 libpixman-1-0 zlib1g libsndio7.0
Note: if you already have
nodeinstalled, you can install only:
sudo apt install libsdl2-2.0-0 libglib2.0-0 libpixman-1-0 zlib1g libsndio7.0
sudo dnf install nodejs SDL2 glib2 pixman zlib
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 --python 3.13
Note: pebble-tool requires Python 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, or 3.13 (higher than 3.9 and lower than 3.14).
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.
Check the FAQ first - common install, emulator, and pebble tool errors are answered there.
If you're still stuck, ask on the Pebble Developer Forum or in #sdk-dev on 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.