directus/docs/guides/installation/manual.md

Installing Manually

1. Setup a Project

Add a package.json by running the following command.

npm init

2. Install Directus

npm install directus

3. Install Database Driver

Choose the database vendor you will be working with, and install its driver.

npm install pg

4. Install Optional Dependencies

At this point you have the option of installing other dependencies, such as Redis.

5. Setup a Configuration File

Finally, you'll need to setup your .env file, or configure the environment variables through other means, such as Docker, etc.