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macOS installation guide

For Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 14 or later.

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Hangrail's current Mac package uses development signing and has not been signed with Apple Developer ID or notarized. On first launch, macOS may ask you to approve this app individually. Check the download source and file integrity first, then follow the installation steps below.

Download the right Mac package

Open the Hangrail download section and choose the Mac download labeled “Apple Silicon · macOS 14+.” On networks in mainland China, try Gitee first; if the download fails, use the GitHub mirror provided on the website.

The current Mac package is a ZIP file. Wait for your browser to show that the download is complete, then double-click to extract it. Do not use the Windows package on Mac or copies forwarded, renamed, or repackaged by others.

The download section's “Release notes” includes the version's SHA256SUMS.txt. To check file integrity, enter shasum -a 256 in Terminal, type a space, drag the downloaded ZIP into Terminal, and press Return. The result should match the digest for the same filename in the list. If it differs, stop installation, check the source again, and download a fresh copy.

If you are unsure of your model, open “About This Mac” from the Apple menu to check your chip and OS version. The current Mac download is for Apple Silicon and does not support Intel Macs.

Move it to Applications

  1. Double-click the downloaded ZIP and find the extracted Hangrail.app.
  2. In Finder, open Applications and drag Hangrail.app into it.
  3. Double-click Hangrail in Applications to try launching it normally.

When upgrading an older version, quit Hangrail normally from its menu, wait for it to stop running, then drag in the new version. Choose Replace when Finder asks. Collapsing the shelf or closing Settings does not quit the app.

Before upgrading, you can save a local encrypted backup. Replacing the app normally keeps local content and settings. You do not need to delete Hangrail's data folder or uninstall it and clear its history.

If the system blocks first launch

Continue only after confirming that the package came from the official website's download links, that the download and extraction are complete, and that you want to run this development-signed app:

  1. Try opening Hangrail in Applications, note the system message, then close the message window.
  2. Open “System Settings → Privacy & Security” and scroll to the security section.
  3. If a message says Hangrail was blocked, click “Open Anyway.” This option usually appears only after you attempt to launch the app.
  4. Choose Open when the system asks again, and authenticate with your password or Touch ID as requested.

This is an exception for one app. You do not need to disable Gatekeeper, change system certificate trust, or clear quarantine attributes in Terminal. For Apple's procedure, see Safely open apps on your Mac.

Grant permissions for the features you use

After launch, look for Hangrail in the menu bar and open the shelf as needed. The first time you use automatic paste, capture, or access to protected files, the system may request Accessibility, Screen Capture, or file access permissions separately.

Respond to prompts for the features you want to use; you do not need to grant every permission in advance. Return to Hangrail after granting access and check the feature. Quit and relaunch normally only if the system explicitly requires it.

Other prompts

The package cannot be extracted. Confirm the download is complete, then download it again from the official website. Do not continue with an incomplete ZIP.

“Open Anyway” is missing. Confirm that you just tried opening Hangrail from Applications, then check the security section. Do not disable system security checks to make the option appear.

A message says the app is “damaged,” contains malware, or “will damage your computer.” Do not assume these are routine development-signing warnings. Stop opening the app, download it again, and verify its source. If the problem persists, use Contact us to provide your OS version and a screenshot of the message. Do not bypass these detections or send passwords or private files.

Permissions are requested again after an update. System security settings, changes in app identity, or revoked authorization can affect permissions. Check the system prompt for the relevant feature; you do not need to delete the library.