---
url: https://chartbuddy.io/hub/docs/getting-started/macos.md
---
> Docs index: [llms.txt](https://chartbuddy.io/hub/docs/llms.txt)

# Install Hub on macOS

Chartbuddy Hub is a free desktop application. This guide covers the macOS install end-to-end: download the `.dmg`, move Hub to Applications, and launch it once.

## 1. Download the installer

Direct download (Apple silicon / arm64 DMG):

**[Download Chartbuddy Hub for macOS](https://chartbuddy.io/downloads/hub/Chartbuddy_macos_aarch64.dmg)**

Or open the [download page](https://chartbuddy.io/getstarted#hub) and click **Download for macOS**.

The file looks like `Chartbuddy_macos_aarch64.dmg` (or a versioned name such as `Chartbuddy_1.7.x_aarch64.dmg`).

## 2. Open the disk image

1. In Finder, open the `.dmg` (usually in **Downloads**).
2. A window appears with the **Chartbuddy** app and an **Applications** shortcut.

## 3. Install into Applications

1. Drag **Chartbuddy** into the **Applications** folder.
2. Eject the disk image (sidebar or right-click → Eject).
3. You can delete the `.dmg` afterward.

Installing into `/Applications` is strongly recommended for MCP and AI clients — the launcher looks there first:

```bash
ls /Applications/Chartbuddy.app/Contents/MacOS/chartbuddy
```

## 4. Launch Hub once

1. Open **Chartbuddy** from Applications (or Spotlight: `Chartbuddy`).
2. Approve any macOS prompts.
3. Leave Hub running while you use MCP tools, or let the MCP server start it on the first tool call.

You should see the Chartbuddy Hub window (desktop chart editor — no prompt box inside the app).

## Verify

| Check | Command / action |
|-------|------------------|
| App present | `ls /Applications/Chartbuddy.app` |
| Binary | `ls /Applications/Chartbuddy.app/Contents/MacOS/chartbuddy` |
| Version | Open Hub → About (or check the window title / docs version) |
| MCP port | After Hub runs, `~/.chartbuddy/mcp-port` should exist |

## Troubleshooting

| Symptom | What to try |
|---------|-------------|
| DMG won't open | Re-download; confirm the file size isn't truncated |
| MCP tools missing | Hub in `/Applications`? Client restarted after MCP config? |
| Hub won't auto-launch | Start Chartbuddy once manually, then retry the MCP tool |

## Next steps

[Connect an AI client](https://chartbuddy.io/hub/docs/connect-mcp.md) or read [Desktop basics](https://chartbuddy.io/hub/docs/guides/desktop-basics.md).