Installation

Ariv is a desktop app that runs entirely on your machine. Your notes never leave your computer unless you choose to use optional AI features. Getting started takes less than a minute.

System Requirements

Platform	Minimum Version	Architecture
macOS	12 Monterey or later	Apple Silicon (M1+) and Intel
Windows	10 or later	x64

Ariv is lightweight and runs well on most modern hardware. There are no special GPU or memory requirements for core functionality. AI features that use local models (via Ollama) may benefit from additional RAM.

Download

Head to ariv.one and click the download button. The site auto-detects your platform and offers the correct installer:

• macOS: .dmg disk image
• Windows: .exe installer

Tip

If you need a specific platform build that wasn’t auto-detected, scroll down on the download page to see all available versions.

Install on macOS

1. Open the downloaded .dmg file.
2. Drag the Ariv icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open Ariv from Applications.

First launch on macOS

Since Ariv is distributed outside the Mac App Store, macOS Gatekeeper may block the first launch. The app is properly signed and notarized by Apple, but you need to explicitly allow it once:

1. Open Finder and navigate to Applications.
2. Right-click (or Control-click) on Ariv.
3. Select Open from the context menu.
4. In the dialog that appears, click Open.

After this one-time step, Ariv will open normally from then on — you can launch it from the Dock, Spotlight, or however you prefer.

Note

This Gatekeeper prompt is standard for apps distributed outside the App Store. It does not mean the app is unsafe. Ariv is code-signed and notarized with Apple, which verifies it has been scanned for malicious content.

Install on Windows

1. Run the downloaded .exe installer.
2. Follow the setup prompts — the defaults work well for most users.
3. Launch Ariv from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

Windows SmartScreen

Windows SmartScreen may show a warning the first time you run Ariv. This is common for newer applications that haven’t yet built up a download reputation with Microsoft:

1. Click More info on the SmartScreen dialog.
2. Click Run anyway.

This only happens on the first launch.

Auto-Updates

Once installed, Ariv handles updates for you:

• Ariv checks for updates automatically in the background each time it launches.
• When an update is available, you’ll see a prompt with details about what’s new.
• Click to install, and Ariv will restart with the latest version.

You don’t need to re-download from the website for future updates — the built-in updater takes care of everything.

Beta Notice

Ariv is currently in beta. During the beta period:

• The app is completely free — all features, including AI, are available at no cost.
• You may encounter occasional bugs or rough edges. Feedback is welcome and appreciated.
• Your data is always safe. Ariv works with plain Markdown files, so your notes are never locked into a proprietary format.

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Next step: First Launch — set up your first vault and get oriented.