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Installing φ

φ runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Get the build for your system from the download page — it offers the right file for the computer you're visiting from, with every other option a click away.

φ is in alpha

You're using early software — expect rough edges. Your writing itself is always safe: it's plain files on your computer, saved continuously and versioned.

System requirements​

  • macOS 12 (Monterey) or later — Apple Silicon or Intel.
  • Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit).
  • Linux — a modern 64-bit distribution. The AppImage runs almost anywhere; a .deb is provided for Debian and Ubuntu.

macOS​

  1. Download the .dmg — Apple Silicon or Intel to match your Mac. (Not sure which you have? Apple menu → About This Mac; a chip listed as "Apple M-series" is Apple Silicon.)
  2. Open the .dmg and drag φ into your Applications folder.
  3. Launch it from Applications or Spotlight.

The macOS builds are signed and notarized by Apple, so they open without a Gatekeeper "unidentified developer" warning.

Windows​

  1. Download the installer (.exe) and run it. You can choose the install location during setup.
  2. φ isn't code-signed yet, so Windows SmartScreen may warn that it's from an unrecognized publisher. Click More info → Run anyway to continue — you only need to do this once.
  3. Launch φ from the Start menu.
Why the SmartScreen prompt?

A code-signing certificate is something we'll add later. Until then the prompt is expected; the download comes straight from our own releases.

Linux​

φ ships in two formats. The AppImage is the simplest and updates itself; the .deb integrates with Debian and Ubuntu but is updated by reinstalling.

  1. Download the .AppImage.
  2. Make it executable — in a terminal: 
    chmod +x poiesis-*.AppImage
    …or right-click the file → Properties → Permissions → Allow executing file as program.
  3. Double-click it, or run ./poiesis-*.AppImage.

Debian / Ubuntu (.deb)​

sudo dpkg -i poiesis-*.deb

Then launch φ from your applications menu.

Staying up to date​

φ checks for updates on its own and installs them quietly in the background:

  • macOS, Windows, and the Linux AppImage update themselves — you're prompted to restart when a new version is ready.
  • The Linux .deb does not auto-update. Download and install the newer .deb when you want to upgrade, or switch to the AppImage.

You can also check on demand — Help → Check for updates (on macOS, the φ app menu).

Next steps​

With φ installed, Getting started walks you through your first vault and first page.