Memory Screen Saver Plus
Version 2 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.