diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index c94a558..eaa841d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -50,6 +50,9 @@ See [defaultState.ts](./app/util/defaultState.ts) for configuration options
 Development
 -----------
 
+Oligrapher development requires the [jq](https://jqlang.github.io/jq/download/) command line tool.
+Installation instructions for jq can be found [here](https://jqlang.github.io/jq/download/).  
+
 To run this app in development mode:
 
 ```