---
title: "Install editmd"
description: "Get the Mac app into Applications and open your first file."
canonical: https://editmd.app/docs/install/
markdown: https://editmd.app/docs/install.md
status: pre-release, waiting list open
generated: editmd-website
---

# Install editmd

Get the Mac app into Applications and open your first file.

## Before you begin

- A Mac with **Apple silicon or an Intel processor**.
- **macOS 11 or later** is the app's configured minimum. Match your Mac to the compatibility information supplied with the download.
- Permission to install an app in Applications. A managed work Mac may require help from your administrator.
- An internet connection to download the app. Everyday local editing works offline.

You do **not** need Node.js, Rust, Xcode, a terminal, an editmd account or an AI subscription to use the app. Those development tools are for building software, not installing editmd.

Ollama has its own requirements and is entirely optional. See [local AI setup](/docs/ai-setup/#ollama-on-your-mac).

## Install from a disk image

1. Use the [editmd download section](/#download). Check the version and compatibility information supplied with the package, and compare its checksum if one is published beside it.
2. Open the downloaded **.dmg** file in Finder.
3. Drag **editmd.app** into **Applications**.
4. Eject the disk image in Finder.
5. Open **editmd** from Applications or find it with Spotlight.

If you use a **.zip** package, double-click it to extract the app, then move **editmd.app** to Applications before opening it.

**You are done when:** editmd opens from Applications and you can choose **File → Open File…**. Continue with [your first document](/docs/first-document/).

## If macOS stops the app

Read the complete message. A normal first-open confirmation is different from a warning that an app is damaged or its developer cannot be verified. If macOS rejects the package, stop and check its source and integrity. Do not remove quarantine attributes or weaken Gatekeeper to force it to run.

On a managed Mac, ask your administrator whether installation is allowed. Apple's [guidance on opening apps safely](https://support.apple.com/en-us/102445) explains the checks macOS performs.

## Choose editmd for an existing file

You can always open a document from **File → Open File…** inside editmd. To choose an app through Finder, use the file's **Open With** menu. Keep the **.md** extension so other apps recognise the document as Markdown.

Group: Start here. Handbook index: https://editmd.app/docs.md