These instructions use filenames from release 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.
- 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.
- Open KanQual’s latest GitHub release and expand Assets.
- For Apple Silicon, download
KanQual_0.9.9_aarch64.dmg. For Intel, downloadKanQual_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 #
- Double-click the downloaded
.dmgto mount it. - 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.
- Wait for the copy to finish,
- Open Finder and locate the mounted disk image under Locations in the sidebar. Click the Eject ⏏ icon next to its name.
- 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:
- Try opening KanQual once from Applications, then dismiss the warning without moving the app to Trash.
- Open System Settings → Privacy & Security. Scroll to the Security area and find the notice about KanQual.
- Choose Open Anyway. Authenticate if requested and confirm Open in the next dialog.
- 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 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