diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index dc2b0cb977..f5b81e7a88 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -19,9 +19,14 @@ to format all Java code. To reformat the code run
 Yes it's a mouthful but unfortunately the [prettier-maven-plugin](https://github.com/HubSpot/prettier-maven-plugin)
 does not work due to an [outstanding issue](https://github.com/HubSpot/prettier-maven-plugin/issues/79).
 
-An easier way to reformat code is to set IntelliJ to do it on save. Go to
-`Settings -> Language & Frameworks -> JavaScript -> Prettier` and then check
+The formatting is validated by CI, but you should do it beforehand with a simple `./mvnw verify -pl .`.
+
+### Making IntelliJ format for you
+For this to work you also need to have [Node.js](https://nodejs.org)
+installed and configured under `Settings -> Language & Frameworks -> Node.js`
+and the file you're saving *must* be able to compile otherwise no formatting
+can be performed.
+
+Go to `Settings -> Language & Frameworks -> JavaScript -> Prettier` and then check
 `Automatic Prettier Configuration`, set `Run for files` to `**/*.{java}`,
 and finally check `Run on save`.
-
-The formatting is validated by CI, but you should do it beforehand with a simple `./mvnw verify -pl .`.