Setup
macOS — install & permissions
Mel is signed with an Apple Developer ID and notarized by Apple, so it opens on a double-click — no Gatekeeper warning. The one thing macOS still asks about is letting Mel work with your files. Here's how to handle it.
1 · Open Mel the first time
Mel is signed and notarized, with the notarization ticket stapled to the app, so there's nothing to click through:
- Unzip Mel-macos.zip and move Mel.app to your Applications folder.
- Double-click Mel. It launches — no Gatekeeper warning, no "Open Anyway" step.
2 · Stop the repeated permission prompts (pick one)
Mel's agent reads, edits, and runs commands on your files. macOS asks permission the first time it touches each protected folder (Desktop, Documents, Downloads, iCloud Drive). Two ways to handle it:
Option 1 — Full Disk Access (smoothest, broadest)
One grant, no more prompts.
- System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access → ＋ and add Mel (or toggle it on).
- Or use Mel's in-app "Open Permissions Settings" button, which deep-links straight to this pane.
- Be aware: Full Disk Access lets Mel read all your files. It's the most convenient option, but only grant it if you're comfortable with that — it's optional.
Option 2 — Grant per folder (safer, a few prompts)
Just click Allow on each macOS prompt as it appears, or manage them in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Files and Folders. Mel only gets the folders you approve; you'll see a prompt the first time it touches a new protected folder.
3 · Your grants persist across updates
Because Mel carries a stable Apple Developer ID signature, an update keeps the same signature — so macOS holds onto your Full Disk Access (and per-folder) grants. You set permissions once and updates don't reset them.
4 · Voice input (optional)
Mel only asks for Microphone access if you use voice input. Normal terminal + agent use never needs it.