Before you install

Installation

Read before buying or installing. LidFX is not Apple-notarized. Testing is limited to an M4 MacBook Air; installation on an independent Mac is unverified.

Check your Mac

• An Apple-silicon MacBook with a built-in display and compatible lid-angle sensor is required.
• Physical testing is limited to an M4 MacBook Air. Other models, external-display arrangements and clamshell use are unverified.
• macOS 14 is the build minimum; testing on that minimum version is still pending.
• Screen Recording permission is required. Desktop frames are processed locally, not saved or uploaded by LidFX.

Apple security warnings

LidFX is not signed with an Apple Developer ID or notarized by Apple. The local development signature is not Apple verification. macOS may block first launch.

Only proceed if you trust the source and understand the warning. Apple describes a per-app exception in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Open Anyway after an opening attempt. This option may not be available on a managed Mac. See Apple's app-opening guidance.

Do not disable Gatekeeper, remove quarantine protections, or install a development certificate to run LidFX. Do not override malware, revoked-authorization or damaged-app warnings. Stop and contact support instead.

Install LidFX 0.3.2

Download the installer. A purchased licence is required to enable the effect; the download is not a free trial.

1. Quit an existing copy of LidFX before installing. Open the downloaded disk image, drag LidFX to Applications, then eject the disk image.
2. Open LidFX and choose Settings from its menu-bar item.
3. Allow Screen Recording when macOS asks. Follow any restart prompt; use Retry Capture in LidFX if necessary.
4. Enter your purchase licence in Settings and activate this Mac. Development test keys cannot activate a production release.
5. Close the lid slightly to see the effect. It stays hidden when movement settles. Pause is available from the menu bar.

Internet access and updates

LidFX requires internet access for activation and periodic licence verification. It allows up to seven days offline after successful verification, limited by any known licence expiry. A rejected or disabled licence has no grace period once that status is received. If verification expires, only the effect stops; your desktop and Settings remain accessible.

Check for Updates is available in the menu bar and Settings. You can enable daily checks; installation requires your approval. Update signatures protect update authenticity; they are separate from Apple's notarization checks.

Need help?

Email lidfx.support@gmail.com with your Mac model, macOS version and the exact warning. Never send your licence key, Mac password, payment details or a screenshot containing private information.