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Installing ApiForge on macOS

ApiForge is not code-signed yet (an Apple Developer certificate costs $99/yr). macOS will block the first launch — here's how to open it safely.

Method 1: Right-click to open

RECOMMENDED · No terminal needed
  1. 1

    Open the .dmg file and drag ApiForge into your Applications folder as usual.

  2. 2

    Open Finder and navigate to Applications. Find ApiForge.

  3. 3

    Right-click (or Control-click) on ApiForge and select "Open" from the context menu.

    Why right-click?
    Double-clicking shows "ApiForge can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software" with no way to proceed. Right-clicking adds an Open button to the dialog.
  4. 4

    A dialog will appear saying the app is from an unidentified developer. Click "Open" to confirm.

    macOS remembers your choice — after this first time, ApiForge will open normally with a double-click.

Method 2: Terminal command

ADVANCED · One command, done

If right-click doesn't work (rare on older macOS versions), you can remove the quarantine flag via Terminal.

  1. 1

    Install ApiForge from the .dmg into your Applications folder.

  2. 2

    Open Terminal (search "Terminal" in Spotlight, or find it in Applications → Utilities).

  3. 3

    Paste this command and press Enter:

    xattr -cr /Applications/ApiForge.app

    This removes the macOS quarantine attribute that blocks unsigned apps.

  4. 4

    Now open ApiForge normally — double-click from Applications or Spotlight.

What does xattr -cr do?
When you download a file from the internet, macOS adds a com.apple.quarantine extended attribute. This flag is what triggers the Gatekeeper warning. The xattr -cr command clears all extended attributes recursively on the app bundle, allowing it to launch without the unsigned-app block. It does not modify the app itself.

Troubleshooting

"ApiForge is damaged and can't be opened"

This usually means the quarantine flag wasn't fully cleared. Run the terminal command from Method 2:

xattr -cr /Applications/ApiForge.app

Still blocked after both methods?

On macOS Sequoia and later, you may need to explicitly allow the app in System Settings:

  1. 1

    Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security.

  2. 2

    Scroll down to the Security section. You should see a message about ApiForge being blocked.

  3. 3

    Click "Open Anyway" and authenticate with your password.

Why isn't ApiForge signed?
Code signing requires a $99/year Apple Developer Program membership. As a free, open-source project, we're keeping costs at zero for now. Code signing is on the roadmap — once we add it, these steps won't be needed anymore.
Download ApiForge