This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing HarborDB on your macOS device.

Installation Methods

Mac App Store (Recommended)

The easiest way to install HarborDB is through the official Mac App Store:

Open the Mac App Store on your macOS device
Search for "HarborDB" in the search bar
Click "Get" or the price button ($19.99) to purchase and download
Wait for installation - The app will automatically download and install
Launch HarborDB from your Applications folder, Launchpad, or Spotlight

Benefits of Mac App Store installation:

Automatic updates
Verified and secure distribution
Easy installation and removal
Family Sharing support

Direct Download (Alternative)

For enterprise deployments or testing purposes, you can download HarborDB directly:

Visit our download page at harbordb.com/download
Download the latest .dmg file
Open the .dmg file by double-clicking it
Drag HarborDB to your Applications folder
Eject the disk image after copying

Security Note: When downloading directly, ensure you verify the authenticity of the download using the provided checksums.

System Requirements

Before installing, verify your system meets these requirements:

Minimum Requirements

macOS: 12.0 (Monterey) or later
Processor: Intel Core i5 (8th generation) or Apple Silicon (M1)
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 200 MB available space
Display: 1280 × 800 resolution

Recommended Requirements

macOS: 13.0 (Ventura) or later
Processor: Apple Silicon (M2 or newer)
Memory: 16 GB RAM or more
Storage: 500 MB available space (for cache and exports)
Display: 1920 × 1080 resolution or higher

PostgreSQL Server Requirements

PostgreSQL: Version 9.6 or later (12+ recommended)
Network: TCP/IP connectivity to PostgreSQL server
Permissions: User must have connect and query permissions

First Launch

After installation, launch HarborDB for the first time:

Locate HarborDB in your Applications folder or use Spotlight (⌘ + Space, type "HarborDB")
Double-click to launch - You may need to grant permission for the app to run (first-time only)
Review system permissions:
- Accessibility: Required for keyboard shortcuts and UI enhancements (optional)
- Network: Required for database connections
- Keychain: Required for secure password storage

Gatekeeper Warnings (Direct Download)

If you downloaded HarborDB directly, you might see a security warning:

"HarborDB" cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified.

To resolve this:

Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy
Click "Open Anyway" next to the HarborDB warning
Confirm you want to open the application

Post-Installation Steps

1. Verify Installation

Check that HarborDB appears in your Applications folder
Verify the app launches without errors
Check the About menu (HarborDB → About HarborDB) for version information

2. Check for Updates

Mac App Store: Updates are automatic, but you can check manually in the App Store Updates tab
Direct Download: Check for updates in HarborDB → Check for Updates

3. Configure Preferences (Optional)

Adjust theme (Light/Dark/System)
Configure default connection settings
Set up keyboard shortcuts

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

"App is Damaged" Error

If you see "HarborDB.app is damaged and can't be opened":

# Open Terminal and run:
sudo xattr -cr /Applications/HarborDB.app

Insufficient Permissions

If HarborDB can't access required resources:

Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Privacy
Grant necessary permissions (Accessibility, Files & Folders, etc.)
Restart HarborDB

Installation Fails

If installation fails or the app won't launch:

Restart your Mac and try again
Check disk space - Ensure you have at least 500 MB free
Verify macOS version - Check About This Mac → macOS version
Contact support if issues persist

Uninstallation

To remove HarborDB from your system:

Mac App Store Version

Open Finder → Applications
Drag HarborDB.app to the Trash
Empty the Trash

Direct Download Version

Remove the application from /Applications

Remove preferences (optional):

rm -rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.harbordb.HarborDB.plist
rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/HarborDB

Remove Keychain entries (optional) - Open Keychain Access and search for "HarborDB"

Next Steps

Now that HarborDB is installed:

Create your first connection - Connect to a PostgreSQL database
Explore the interface - Learn about HarborDB's features
Try sample queries - Practice with SQL

Need help? Check our FAQ or contact support.

Installation