> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://elys-network.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://elys-network.gitbook.io/docs/developer-resources/elys-network-validators/installing-elys-node/launch-the-node.md).

# Launch the Node

### Launch Node

**Configure Cosmovisor Folder**

Create Cosmovisor folders and load the node binary.

```
# Create Cosmovisor Folders
mkdir -p ~/.elys/cosmovisor/genesis/bin
mkdir -p ~/.elys/cosmovisor/upgrades

# Load Node Binary into Cosmovisor Folder
cp ~/go/bin/elysd ~/.elys/cosmovisor/genesis/bin
```

**Create Service File**

Create a `elys.service` file in the `/etc/systemd/system` folder with the following code snippet. Make sure to replace `USER` with your Linux user name. You need sudo previlege to do this step.

```
[Unit]
Description="elys node"
After=network-online.target

[Service]
User=USER
ExecStart=/home/USER/go/bin/cosmovisor start
Restart=always
RestartSec=3
LimitNOFILE=4096
Environment="DAEMON_NAME=elysd"
Environment="DAEMON_HOME=/home/USER/.elys"
Environment="DAEMON_ALLOW_DOWNLOAD_BINARIES=false"
Environment="DAEMON_RESTART_AFTER_UPGRADE=true"
Environment="UNSAFE_SKIP_BACKUP=true"

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
```

**Download Snapshot**

You may utilize Polkachu's [snapshot](https://polkachu.com/testnets/elys/snapshots) download service to download and extract Elys Network snapshot.

**Start Node Service**

```
# Enable service
sudo systemctl enable elys.service

# Start service
sudo service elys start

# Check logs
sudo journalctl -fu elys
```