Downloading FrameCounsel
Visit framecounsel.com/download and click the download button to get the latest version. The download is a standard macOS .dmg disk image, roughly 2.5 GB in size, which includes all bundled AI models so the application works fully offline from the first launch.
Installing the Application
- Open the downloaded .dmg file.
- Drag the FrameCounsel icon into your Applications folder.
- Eject the disk image.
First Launch and Gatekeeper
When you open FrameCounsel for the first time, macOS Gatekeeper may show a warning because the app is downloaded from the web rather than the Mac App Store. To proceed:
- Open System Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down to find the message about FrameCounsel being blocked.
- Click Open Anyway and authenticate with your password or Touch ID.
Tip: This only happens once. After the first launch, macOS remembers your approval and will open FrameCounsel without prompts.
First-Time Setup Wizard
On the first launch, FrameCounsel walks you through a brief setup wizard:
- License activation: Enter your license key, or start your 30-day free trial. No credit card is required for the trial.
- AI model verification: The app confirms that all bundled models are intact and compatible with your hardware. This takes about 30 seconds.
- Default storage location: Choose where FrameCounsel stores case files. We recommend an encrypted APFS volume or your evidence vault drive.
- Air-gapped preference: Choose whether to enable air-gapped mode (blocks all network connections). You can change this later in Settings.
After Setup
Once setup is complete, you land on the Case Dashboard. From here you can create a new case, import evidence, or explore the sample project that ships with FrameCounsel to familiarize yourself with the interface.
Warning: If model verification fails, try re-downloading the installer. Incomplete downloads can corrupt the bundled AI models. If the problem persists, contact support.