diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 251428a3d..70a0cef23 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -48,7 +48,24 @@ This is only necessary the first time so that the build process can create symbo
 
 To run the current development version of iD on your own computer:
 
-1. Create a local `git clone` of the project, then `cd` into the project folder
+#### Cloning the repository
+
+The repository is reasonably large. and it's unlikely that you need the full history. If you are happy to wait for it all to download, run:
+
+```
+git clone https://github.com/openstreetmap/iD.git
+```
+
+To clone only the most recent version, instead use a 'shallow clone':
+
+```
+git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/openstreetmap/iD.git
+```
+
+If you want to add in the full history later on, perhaps to run `git blame` or `git log`, run `git fetch --depth=1000000`
+
+#### Building iD
+1. `cd` into the newly cloned project folder
 2. Run `npm install`
 3. Run `npm run all`
 3. Run `npm start`