---
title: Download and install KanQual on macOS
description: "These instructions use filenames from [release v0.9.9](https://github.com/KanQual/kanqual/releases/tag/v0.9.9), checked on October 15, 2026. When installing a newer release, substitute its version number and read its release notes. ## 1. Choose the correct Mac download Download from the official **github.com/KanQual/kanqual** repository. These…"
url: "https://kanqual.com/documentation/install-kanqual-macos/"
updated: "2026-10-15"
category: Getting started
---

# Download and install KanQual on macOS

These instructions use filenames from [release v0.9.9](https://github.com/KanQual/kanqual/releases/tag/v0.9.9), checked on October 15, 2026. When installing a newer release, substitute its version number and read its release notes.

## 1. Choose the correct Mac download

Download from the official **github.com/KanQual/kanqual** repository. These builds are unsigned, so your operating system may ask you to approve the app. Approve only the KanQual file you intentionally downloaded; an unknown-publisher notice is different from a malware detection.

1. Open **Apple menu → About This Mac**. A **Chip** entry with an Apple M-series chip means Apple Silicon; an Intel **Processor** entry means an Intel Mac.
2. Open [KanQual’s latest GitHub release](https://github.com/KanQual/kanqual/releases/latest) and expand **Assets**.
3. For Apple Silicon, download `KanQual_0.9.9_aarch64.dmg`. For Intel, download `KanQual_0.9.9_x64.dmg`. Use the DMG for these instructions, rather than the app tar archive or source code.

## 2. Copy KanQual into Applications

1. Double-click the downloaded `.dmg` to mount it.
2. Drag **KanQual.app** into **Applications**. If the disk image does not show an Applications shortcut, open Applications in a separate Finder window and copy the app there.
3. Wait for the copy to finish,
4. Open **Finder** and locate the mounted disk image under **Locations** in the sidebar. Click the **Eject ⏏** icon next to its name.
5. Open KanQual from Applications, rather than running it inside the mounted disk image.

## 3. Open the unsigned or unnotarized app

macOS may report that the developer cannot be verified or that Apple cannot check the app. After confirming that this is your official KanQual download:

1. Try opening KanQual once from Applications, then dismiss the warning without moving the app to Trash.
2. Open **System Settings → Privacy & Security**. Scroll to the Security area and find the notice about KanQual.
3. Choose **Open Anyway**. Authenticate if requested and confirm **Open** in the next dialog.
4. Open KanQual normally from Applications on subsequent launches. A new downloaded version may require approval again.

This is Apple’s per-app exception workflow. If the exception is unavailable on a managed Mac, ask your IT administrator. If macOS reports damage or malware, download a fresh copy from the release page and contact the developer if the warning persists; do not disable Gatekeeper or remove quarantine from unrelated files.

## 4. First launch

Allow the local database to initialize and follow the setup prompts.

## Get help

If you get stuck, email [mcansoy@fairfield.edu](mailto:mcansoy@fairfield.edu) with your operating system, KanQual version, filename, and exact error message. Remove research data and personal information from any screenshots.

## Other installation guides

[Download and install KanQual on Windows](https://kanqual.com/documentation/install-kanqual-windows/)

[Download and install KanQual on Linux](https://kanqual.com/documentation/install-kanqual-linux/)

[Use the Windows portable edition of KanQual](https://kanqual.com/documentation/use-kanqual-windows-portable/)