macOS install help

Open AI File Sorter on macOS when Gatekeeper blocks it

Because AI File Sorter is currently distributed outside the Mac App Store and is not signed with an Apple certificate, macOS may block it the first time you launch it. After you approve it once, the app should open normally.

These steps follow Apple Support: Safely open apps on your Mac.

Screenshot of the macOS warning shown when AI File Sorter is blocked on first launch — Screenshot source: Apple Support

Step 1

Try opening the app once

Double-click the downloaded app in Finder. If macOS says the app cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified, or because Apple cannot check it for malicious software, close that warning.

Screenshot of System Settings with Privacy and Security and the Open Anyway button highlighted — Screenshot source: Apple Support

Step 2

Approve it in Privacy & Security

Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, scroll to the Security section, then click Open Anyway next to the AI File Sorter warning.

Step 3

Confirm and launch

Click Open in the final confirmation dialog. You may be asked for your Mac password. After that, AI File Sorter is saved as an allowed app and you can open it normally in the future.

Apple notes that the warning prompt appears again after you click Open Anyway. Source: Apple Support.

Older macOS versions: Look in System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> General instead of System Settings -> Privacy & Security.

If Open Anyway does not appear yet: Try opening the app once first, then return to Privacy & Security. Apple notes that this button is available for about one hour after the blocked launch attempt.

Alternative method: Control-click the app in Finder, choose Open, then click Open again in the confirmation dialog.

You can also review Apple's general guidance for opening apps from unidentified developers: Apple Support