Install and requirements

Requirements, App Store vs Direct, install steps, and how updates work

Purpose

Starcat ships a macOS desktop app only. App Store and Direct (website DMG) look like the same product, but they use separate local databases and Pro entitlements.

Requirements

Requirement	Detail
OS	macOS 15 Sequoia or later
Chip	Apple Silicon (M-series). No Intel build
Network	Needed for Stars sync, Explore, purchase, and notifications
GitHub	An account is required to pull Stars

There is no Windows / Linux desktop app. The CLI can run on more platforms, but repository data and write permission still come from a paired Starcat app on a Mac.

Choosing a channel

Mac App Store

• Download: Starcat for GitHub
• Runs in the App Store sandbox: it cannot launch user-installed executables such as Codex CLI or CodeFlow
• Pro uses Apple In-App Purchase (StoreKit / Apple ID)
• Updates: Starcat detects a new version on launch or when the app becomes active. Check for Updates in the Actions menu or menu bar opens the Mac App Store; Starcat does not download the store package itself

Direct (website)

• Download: starcat.ink
• Open the DMG and drag Starcat into Applications
• Pro uses website checkout + license. See License
• Sparkle checks on launch; you can also check and install from Settings or the Actions menu
• Can attach local Agent runtimes, CodebaseMemory, and RAG CLI inference. See Integrations

The two channels use separate data directories. Switching channels is a new local library. Do not copy the SQLite file blindly; back up first.

Direct: DMG window with Starcat dragged onto Applications

Screenshot TODO · images/screenshots/getting-started/direct-dmg.webp

Install steps

1. Download

   Get the latest build from the App Store or the website. The two channels do not merge data automatically.
2. Put it in Applications

   App Store installs for you. Direct: open the DMG and drag Starcat into Applications.

3. First launch

   If Gatekeeper blocks: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Open Anyway.

4. Welcome

   Full-screen welcome appears once. Replay later from Settings → General → Replay first-run guide (this also resets Getting Started checklist progress).

First-run full-screen welcome / feature tour

Screenshot TODO · images/screenshots/getting-started/welcome.webp

Notes

• You can keep both channels installed; they will not share tags or notes. Pick one for daily use.
• Sparkle update UI is hidden in the App Store build.
• After install, sign in and tap Sync yourself. See Quickstart.

Related

• Connect GitHub
• Buy Pro
• Backup