How to Run Remotion Free on Windows 11 With Docker (Claude Setup Guide)

You want to create programmatic videos. You found Remotion. Now you're staring at a blank terminal wondering where to start.

Here's the full setup — from zero to rendering MP4s — and the best part: the whole stack is free.

What You'll Need Before Starting

A Windows 11 PC
Docker Desktop (free)
Your Remotion files (from your digital purchase)
Claude (free tier works fine)

That's it. No paid subscriptions. No complicated cloud setup.

Step 1: Install Docker Desktop

Go to the Microsoft Store, search Docker Desktop, and hit Install.

Alternatively, grab the .exe directly from Docker's website — same result.

Fair warning: installation takes 6–7 minutes depending on your internet speed. When a permission popup appears, click Yes and let it finish.

Once it opens, skip the survey. Wait for the Docker Engine to start. When it's ready, go to the terminal section inside Docker Desktop and enable it.

Step 2: Extract Your Remotion Files

Right-click your Remotion .zip file and choose Extract All. Pick a clean folder location — no nested duplicates.

To find the exact file path, click any file inside (like the system prompt file), right-click → Properties, and copy the Location field.

Step 3: Launch Remotion With One Command

Open the Docker terminal. Type:

cd [paste your folder path here]

Then run:

docker compose up --build

Hit Enter. Docker will pull everything, build the containers, and deploy automatically. You'll see two services spin up: a code editor and the Remotion Studio.

Test it by logging in with the default password: remotion123

If the Studio loads with example files — you're in. Installation successful.

Step 4: Use Claude to Generate Animation Code

This is where it gets interesting.

Open Claude (free tier is fine). Create a new project — call it something like remotion-dev-1.

Now open the system prompt file from your Remotion folder. Copy its contents and paste it into Claude's Instructions field.

Then just talk to it. Try something like:

"Create an animation explaining binary numbers."

Claude will write the full React/TSX code for you.

Step 5: Add the Code to Remotion Studio

Copy the generated code from Claude. Back in the Remotion code editor, go to the src folder and create a new file — name it something like binary.tsx.

Paste the code. Save it.

Reload the Remotion Studio page. Your new animation — Binary Explanation — will appear in the project list. Hit play.

It just works.

Step 6: Render Your Video

When you're happy with the animation, click Render → Render Video.

Wait for the green checkmark.

Your .mp4 file will land in the out folder inside your Remotion directory. Done.

Why This Stack Makes Sense

Here's what you're getting for free:

Docker — containerizes the whole environment, no messy local installs
Remotion — code-driven video creation in React
Claude — writes your animation code from plain English prompts
Remotion Studio — previews and renders everything in-browser

No monthly fees. No export limits. No watermarks.

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

Docker won't start? Make sure virtualization is enabled in your BIOS. On Windows 11, WSL 2 also needs to be active.

Studio not loading? Double-check that both services (editor + studio) are running in the Docker terminal output.

Claude's code has errors? Paste the error back into Claude and say "fix this." It usually resolves in one or two iterations.

Start Building Today

The barrier to programmatic video is lower than it's ever been. You don't need to be a React developer. You don't need a budget. You just need Docker, Remotion, and a Claude prompt that knows what you want.

Install Docker Desktop now and run your first animation today. If you hit a wall, drop your question in the Discord — the community is active and helpful.