Set up the project

Scaffold the Payload starter, configure local services and verify the first page.

On this page

GoalLink to this section

Create a working Northline site with the Payload template. Use SQLite for local learning, or choose PostgreSQL in the wizard when you already have a database.

1. Authenticate and install the CLILink to this section

Systhema packages use a private registry. Access comes with a Systhema licence and a GitHub token with read:packages. Complete registry access before installing.

pnpm add -g @systhemaui/cli
systhema create northline --template payload
cd northline

Choose database, email, forms and locales in the wizard. Enable Forms for the enquiry page. You can change these choices later with systhema setup.

A non-interactive local scaffold uses verified create flags:

systhema create northline --template payload --db sqlite --email none --forms on --yes

Use one scaffold command, not both. Email is configured in Forms and SEO.

2. Inspect the generated environmentLink to this section

The CLI prepares the environment from your choices. Keep secrets outside version control. Inspect .env and .env.example; do not replace generated secrets with tutorial placeholders.

systhema info
systhema doctor

The frontend origin is NEXT_PUBLIC_SERVER_URL. DATABASE_URI must match the adapter in src/payload/database.ts. PAYLOAD_SECRET and SYSTHEMA_API_SECRET must have real values.

3. Find the project boundariesLink to this section

Starter structure

systhema.config.ts
src/
  payload.config.ts
  payload/
    database.ts
    email.ts
    forms.ts
  tokens/
    manifest.json
  app/
    layout.tsx
    (site)/
      template.tsx
      globals.css
      (systhema)/
    (payload)/

Edit src/payload.config.ts and your site template. Keep application routes outside (systhema). Do not edit generated token artifacts or managed CMS routes.

4. Sync and start locallyLink to this section

pnpm sync
pnpm dev

The Payload starter's sync script regenerates Systhema artifacts, Payload types and the import map. Open the local site and /admin. Create the first user through the initial setup screen.

Check your workLink to this section

/admin loads and you can sign in.
.systhema/references/tokens/_index.toon exists after sync.
systhema doctor reports no unresolved setup errors.
Your environment secrets are not staged for commit.

Next: Create the design system.