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Install

Brainstorm is a desktop application for macOS, Windows, and Linux.

System requirements

Section titled “System requirements”
  • macOS 12 (Monterey) or later — Apple Silicon and Intel.
  • Windows 10 or later (64-bit).
  • Linux — a recent 64-bit distribution (AppImage / .deb).
  • ~400 MB of disk for the app, plus whatever your vaults hold.

Installing

Section titled “Installing”

Once you have a download link:

  1. macOS — open the .dmg and drag Brainstorm to Applications. On first launch, right-click → Open to clear Gatekeeper.
  2. Windows — run the installer and follow the prompts.
  3. Linux — mark the AppImage executable (chmod +x) and run it, or install the .deb with your package manager.

First launch

Section titled “First launch”

On first launch Brainstorm asks you to create a vault — the on-disk home for your knowledge. Pick a folder, choose how to protect it (system keychain or a passphrase), and you’re in. The full walkthrough is in the Quickstart.

Updating

Section titled “Updating”

Apps inside Brainstorm update independently of the shell. The shell itself checks for updates on launch and applies them in the background; your vaults are never touched by an update.

Next steps

Section titled “Next steps”
  • Quickstart — your first vault and app
  • Vaults — what a vault is and how it’s protected