Checking for Updates
FrameCounsel checks for updates automatically when the application launches (unless air-gapped mode is enabled). To manually check:
- Go to FrameCounsel > Check for Updates in the menu bar.
- If an update is available, you will see the version number, release date, and a summary of changes.
- Click Download Update to begin.
The Update Process
Updates are delivered as delta patches when possible, meaning only the changed files are downloaded rather than the entire application. The process:
- Download: The update is downloaded in the background. You can continue working.
- Verification: The update package is verified using code signing and a SHA-256 hash check.
- Installation prompt: Once downloaded and verified, FrameCounsel asks you to restart to apply the update.
- Restart: Click Restart Now or choose Restart Later to apply the update the next time you launch the application.
Tip: Save your work and close open cases before applying an update. While FrameCounsel auto-saves, restarting mid-analysis will cancel any running jobs. You can resume them after the update.
Update Channels
FrameCounsel offers two update channels:
- Stable (default): Thoroughly tested releases recommended for production use.
- Beta: Early access to new features. May contain bugs. Go to Settings > Updates > Update Channel to switch.
Updating in Air-Gapped Environments
If you use air-gapped mode, you cannot check for updates through the application. Instead:
- On a connected computer, visit framecounsel.com/download.
- Download the full installer (.dmg).
- Transfer the .dmg to your air-gapped machine via an approved physical medium (USB drive).
- Install the update by dragging the new FrameCounsel into Applications, replacing the old version.
- Your case data, settings, and license are preserved — they are stored separately from the application.
Rolling Back an Update
If an update causes issues:
- Go to FrameCounsel > About > Version History.
- Select the previous version.
- Click Roll Back and confirm.
- FrameCounsel restores the previous version from a local backup.
Tip: FrameCounsel keeps the two most recent previous versions available for rollback. If you need an older version, download it from the version archive on our website.
Version Compatibility
Case files created in older versions are always compatible with newer versions (forward compatibility is guaranteed). Cases created in a newer version may not open in an older version if new features were used.
Release Notes
Full release notes for every version are available at framecounsel.com/changelog. Major releases include detailed migration guides when there are significant workflow changes.
Warning: Do not skip multiple major versions when updating. If you are more than two major versions behind, update incrementally to ensure data migration proceeds correctly. Check the changelog for migration instructions.