macOS Install Guide

BotHub is not yet signed with an Apple Developer ID, so macOS may show one of these dialogs on first launch:

"BotHub.app" is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash.

Or:

"BotHub.app" can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software.

The app is not actually damaged or malicious. This is just macOS Gatekeeper's default protection for unsigned apps. BotHub's source is open for inspection — it's safe to bypass with any of the methods below.

Method A: Allow via System Settings (recommended, easiest)

Works on macOS 13 Ventura and later.

1. Double-click BotHub.app once to trigger the "damaged" dialog
2. Click Cancel on the dialog (do NOT click "Move to Trash")
3. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security
4. Scroll to the bottom. You should see:
   "BotHub.app was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer"
5. Click Open Anyway
6. Authenticate with your password or Touch ID
7. Double-click BotHub.app again — it will open normally

After this, every future launch works without prompts.

Method B: Terminal command (when Method A fails)

If the "Open Anyway" button never shows up, or clicking it still fails, open Terminal.app and run:

sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine /Applications/BotHub.app
sudo codesign --force --deep --sign - /Applications/BotHub.app

• Line 1: removes the macOS quarantine flag added to downloaded files
• Line 2: applies an ad-hoc (local, empty-identity) signature so Gatekeeper accepts the bundle

You'll need to enter your login password. Then launch BotHub normally.

If line 1 reports Operation not permitted, your terminal lacks Full Disk Access. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access and add your terminal app, then restart it and retry.

Method C: Disable Gatekeeper (last resort, not recommended long-term)

If neither A nor B works, or if you regularly install unsigned apps, run:

sudo spctl --master-disable

Then go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Allow applications downloaded from and pick the new Anywhere option.

All unsigned apps will now launch directly by double-click. This lowers your system's security posture — use only if you understand the trade-off. To re-enable:

sudo spctl --master-enable

Install location

We recommend dragging BotHub.app into Applications. Other locations work too, but Spotlight search and Dock pinning are easier from /Applications.

Uninstall

• Option 1: Open Applications in Finder and drag BotHub.app to Trash
• Option 2: Use a tool like AppCleaner to also remove preferences and caches

User data lives at:

~/Library/Application Support/BotHub/

Remove this directory for a complete uninstall.

Still can't open?

If all three methods fail, the download may be corrupted. Try:

1. Re-download the .dmg from the official site
2. Verify SHA256 against the release page (if listed)
3. Make sure you downloaded the right architecture (arm64 for Apple Silicon, x86_64 for Intel)

If the problem persists, check the FAQ or open an issue.