> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/get-started/chapter-index/install-macos.md).

# Install Captivate on macOS

Install Captivate on a Mac, place it in `/Applications`, and launch it for the first time.

* [Before you install](#before-you-install)
* [Run the installer](#run-the-installer)
* [Keep Captivate in /Applications](#keep-captivate-in-applications)
* [First launch](#first-launch)
* [Uninstall Captivate](#uninstall-captivate)

## Before you install

* You need an administrator account on the Mac.
* Captivate now runs natively on Apple Silicon. Rosetta 2 is **not** required.

## Run the installer

1. Double-click the downloaded `.pkg` and step through the macOS Installer prompts.
2. When the installer finishes, you’ll find **Captivate.app** in `/Applications` and a **Captivate** entry in Launchpad.

{% hint style="info" %}
To activate your license, open the NewBlue Application Manager from `/Applications` — it’s installed with Captivate. See [About the NewBlue Application Manager](/get-started/chapter-index/application-manager.md).
{% endhint %}

## Keep Captivate in /Applications

`Captivate.app` must live in `/Applications`. The Virtual Webcam system extension and several other macOS integrations check the bundle path. Running Captivate from `~/Downloads` or `~/Applications` causes the virtual camera to refuse activation and may trigger Gatekeeper’s app translocation, which moves the app to a random temporary directory.

If you’ve already opened Captivate from somewhere other than `/Applications`:

1. Quit Captivate.
2. Drag `Captivate.app` to `/Applications`.
3. Launch Captivate from `/Applications` (not from Downloads or Launchpad’s old shortcut).

## First launch

If macOS shows **"Captivate can’t be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software"**, control-click `Captivate.app` in `/Applications` and choose **Open**, then confirm. macOS remembers the choice for subsequent launches.

On first launch Captivate also requests Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording permissions as features that need them are used. See [macOS first-run permissions](/get-started/chapter-index/macos-permissions.md) for what to expect and how to grant each one.

## Uninstall Captivate

macOS `.pkg` installs don’t register an uninstaller. To remove Captivate:

1. Quit Captivate and the NewBlue Application Manager.
2. Drag `/Applications/Captivate.app` to the Trash.

For complete removal — including the Virtual Webcam system extension and leftover preferences — see [Installed files and components](/reference/installed-files-and-components.md).

## Next step

[About the NewBlue Application Manager](/get-started/chapter-index/application-manager.md) — what the Application Manager does and how to use it for activation.

## Related

* [Install Captivate on Windows](/get-started/chapter-index/install-windows.md)
* [macOS first-run permissions](/get-started/chapter-index/macos-permissions.md)
* [Installed files and components](/reference/installed-files-and-components.md) — what the installer adds, for IT administrators and integrators.


---

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