Runs on macOS 12 Monterey or later. Downloads ship as unsigned .tar.gz archives (tested, not Apple-notarized yet). Each archive includes the app bundle, an install script, and a short README.
Which download should I pick?
- Mac · Apple Silicon — native arm64 build for M-series Macs. Photos, Soft Effects, and Presentation Mode work; native arm64 video is not bundled yet.
- Mac · Intel — x64 build with bundled video. Also usable on Apple Silicon via Rosetta when you want video today.
Not sure which chip you have? Open Apple menu → About This Mac and look for Chip (Apple) or Processor (Intel).
Step-by-step
-
Download the archive
From the homepage download section, choose Apple Silicon or Intel. You can also grab the file from the GitHub release page and verify the checksum there.
-
Extract
Double-click the
.tar.gz(or use Archive Utility / Terminal) so you see the app,install.sh, andREADME.txt. -
Allow the unsigned app
Because the build is not notarized yet, macOS may block first launch. Prefer the steps in the archive README. Typical options: open once via Control-click → Open, or allow it under System Settings → Privacy & Security. Some setups clear quarantine with
xattras documented in the README. -
Run the install script
Run
install.shto place Memory Screen Saver Plus.app and register the login-item idle agent. That agent watches for idle time and launches the screensaver experience — this release does not appear as a native System Settings screen saver yet. -
Add folders and preview
Open Settings, add your local media folders (with Include subfolders if needed), try Soft Effects or Presentation Mode, and confirm idle behavior after a short wait. For collage-friendly structure, see the media folder guide.
How Mac idle mode differs from Windows: On Windows the app registers as a classic .scr. On Mac, a login-item idle agent starts the slideshow when you step away. Live Presentation Mode works the same on both — floating or full-screen frames while you keep working. See the platform comparison on the homepage.
Troubleshooting
- “App can’t be opened” / Gatekeeper: Follow the unsigned-build steps in the FAQ and the archive README. FAQ: unsigned builds →
- No idle slideshow: Confirm the login item / agent is allowed and that you completed
install.sh. - No video on Apple Silicon: Use the Intel archive via Rosetta for video, or stick to photos on the arm64 build for now.
- Logs: Open Settings → Log. The file lives under
~/Library/Logson the Mac where the app runs.
After the install script runs
Open Settings, add your folders, and wait out the idle period once to confirm the agent fires. If you have external displays, the Mac multi-monitor guide covers per-display timing and the arm64 video caveat in detail. If you would rather have photos on screen while you work instead of only when you step away, that is Presentation Mode.
Checking your version and updating
The About tab in Settings shows the version you are running, and the app can optionally check whether a newer one exists. Updating means downloading the current archive and running the install script again — there is no auto-updater, and nothing is installed in the background without you asking.
Download for Mac