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Mains Desktop supports macOS on Apple Silicon and Intel. For a backend on Linux, use Mains Server.

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Install the desktop app

1

Download Mains

Get the latest DMG for your Mac from GitHub Releases. Choose arm64 for Apple Silicon or x64 for Intel.
2

Move it to Applications

Open the DMG and move Mains into Applications. Launch that copy.
3

Choose and sign in to an agent

Onboarding checks each runtime and helps you sign in. You can enable more agents later in Settings → General → Active agents.
Automatic updates require the app to run from Applications. A copy opened from a DMG or Downloads cannot replace itself.

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Agent requirements

Claude and Copilot do not need a separate CLI installation for the bundled runtime. Their runtime updates arrive with Mains.

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Install Codex

Mains checks CLI compatibility in Settings → Codex. Follow its update guidance if your installed version cannot provide a feature. See the official Codex CLI guide.

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Install Cursor

See the Cursor CLI guide for installation details.

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Git tools

Code mode needs Git. Creating or publishing a GitHub repository and opening a pull request through the Git actions panel also needs the GitHub CLI, authenticated with gh auth login. Signing in to the GitHub connection does not authenticate gh or Copilot. Each connection has its own purpose. Continue with the quickstart.