Installing Desktop Duck on macOS is straightforward — but macOS has a security feature called Gatekeeper that blocks apps from unverified developers by default. This guide covers everything: checking your macOS version, choosing the right download, and getting past Gatekeeper.
macOS Version Requirements
To check your macOS version: click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac." You'll see the version name and number. If it says Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, or any later release, you're good to go.
If you're on an older Mac that can't run Monterey, unfortunately Desktop Duck won't work on that machine. This is a framework requirement, not a choice — the technologies the app relies on aren't available in older macOS versions.
Choosing the Right Download
Desktop Duck comes in two Mac versions, and picking the wrong one means the app won't run (though it'll tell you if you do):
- Apple Silicon (.dmg): For Macs with M1, M2, M3, or M4 chips. This includes all MacBooks and iMacs made from late 2020 onwards.
- Intel Mac (.dmg): For Macs with Intel processors. This covers most Macs made before 2020, and some 2020 models.
If you're unsure which chip your Mac has: click the Apple menu → About This Mac. Under "Chip" or "Processor," it'll say either "Apple M1/M2/M3" or "Intel Core i5/i7/i9." Pick the matching download from the download page.
If you accidentally download the wrong version, macOS will tell you "Desktop Duck can't be opened because it is not compatible with your Mac." Just download the other version.
Installing from the DMG
- Open the downloaded
.dmgfile — it'll mount on your desktop and open a Finder window - Drag the Desktop Duck icon into the Applications folder shortcut shown in that window
- Wait for the copy to complete (it's only ~4MB so it's nearly instant)
- Eject the DMG by right-clicking it on the desktop and choosing "Eject"
The app is now installed. But don't double-click it yet — read the Gatekeeper section first.
Bypassing macOS Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper blocks apps from developers without an Apple Developer certificate. Getting that certificate requires a paid Apple Developer account ($99/year), which Desktop Duck, as a free indie project, doesn't have. The result: macOS will refuse to open the app normally the first time.
There are two ways to get around this.
Method 1: Right-Click to Open (Recommended)
- Open your Applications folder in Finder
- Find Desktop Duck — but don't double-click it
- Right-click (or Control+click) the app icon
- Choose Open from the context menu
- A dialog will appear asking if you're sure — click Open
- Desktop Duck launches
You only need to do this once. After the first successful launch, macOS remembers that you've approved this app and double-clicking will work normally forever after.
Method 2: System Settings (Alternative)
If Method 1 doesn't work, or if you accidentally clicked through the first dialog without clicking Open:
- Try to open Desktop Duck normally (double-click) — it'll be blocked
- Open System Settings (the gear icon in your Dock)
- Go to Privacy & Security
- Scroll down to the Security section
- You'll see a message saying "Desktop Duck was blocked..." with an Open Anyway button next to it
- Click Open Anyway
- Enter your Mac password if prompted
- Desktop Duck opens
On older macOS versions (including Monterey), this setting is in System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General rather than System Settings.
First Launch
After getting through Gatekeeper, Desktop Duck will ask you to name your duck. Enter any name you like — you can change it later. The duck appears on screen and is immediately interactive: click it to open the control panel, drag it to reposition it, or just watch it wander if you've enabled free roam.
On macOS, the duck appears in the menu bar (the icons in the top-right of your screen). Right-click the duck icon there to show/hide it or access settings.
Common Issues and Fixes
The app says it's damaged and can't be opened. This sometimes happens if you downloaded the file using a web browser that added a quarantine flag to it. Open Terminal and run: xattr -cr /Applications/Desktop\ Duck.app — this removes the quarantine flag and lets the app open normally.
The app is invisible but appears in the menu bar. Click the Desktop Duck icon in your Mac's menu bar (top-right area). The duck should appear on screen. If it doesn't, right-click the menu bar icon and look for a "Show Duck" option.
"Desktop Duck can't be opened because it is not compatible with your Mac." You downloaded the wrong version. If you're on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), download the Apple Silicon build. If you're on Intel, download the Intel build. Both are available on the download page.
The app opens but crashes immediately. Check that your macOS version is 12 Monterey or later. If it is, please file a bug report with your exact macOS version and the crash log if available.
Uninstalling
To remove Desktop Duck: drag it from your Applications folder to the Trash, then empty the Trash. That's all that's needed — the app doesn't scatter files around your system. Your duck's name and preferences are stored in a small preferences file that gets removed along with the app.