# MacShelf

> The app store for Mac apps that live outside the App Store. MacShelf is a Mac app store for Developer ID apps: one place to find, install and update the apps that ship outside the Mac App Store.

MacShelf gives Developer ID and directly distributed Mac apps a real storefront: listings with screenshots, ratings and reviews, a browsable catalog, and updates for every app in one place. Developers publish from the command line and get hosting, auto-updates (Sparkle or custom), changelogs, roadmaps, analytics and search-friendly listing pages without running any of it themselves.

MacShelf is not released yet. Join the waitlist at https://macshelf.hyperdesigned.dev/#waitlist.

## For developers

- Publish from the command line: upload a DMG, a PKG or a zipped .app with one command, to beta testers first or straight to everyone.
- Internal testing and beta releases: Like TestFlight, built in. Ship a build to your team first, then open a public beta with an invite link. Testers update automatically on their own channel, and you promote the build to everyone when it’s ready.
- Hosting and downloads: Upload a DMG, a PKG or a zipped .app and MacShelf serves it from a global CDN, with a stable download link for your own website.
- Auto-updates, your way: Point Sparkle at the appcast MacShelf generates, or use the custom update feed. No server to run either way.
- Collect user feedback: Users send bug reports and feature requests from your listing, tagged with their app version and macOS release. Upvotes show you what to build next.
- Changelog and what’s new: Release notes become a changelog page and a “What’s New” card your users actually see.
- Public roadmaps: Show what is planned, in progress and shipped, and let users tell you what matters to them.
- Analytics: Listing views, downloads, installs, updates and the versions people are running, without adding an SDK.
- Built for search: Every listing is a fast, indexable web page with structured data, so your app shows up where people look.

## For Mac users

- A real store: Full listings with descriptions, screenshots, requirements and version history, like the App Store.
- Browse and discover: Explore the catalog by category, and find new apps through curated collections and promotions.
- Ratings and reviews: See what other people think before you install, and leave your own once you have.
- Every update in one place: MacShelf keeps the apps you install from it up to date, so you can stop checking each one.

## FAQ

### What is MacShelf?

An app store for Mac apps distributed outside the Mac App Store. Mac users get one place to find, install and update them, and developers get hosting, updates, beta testing, feedback and analytics without running any of it themselves.

### When does it launch?

We're building it now. Join the waitlist and we'll email you when it's your turn. Developers get early access first, so there are apps in the store when it opens to everyone.

### Which apps can be published?

Mac apps signed with an Apple Developer ID and notarized by Apple, shipped as a DMG, a PKG or a zipped .app.

### Is it safe to install apps from it?

Every build has to be signed and notarized, and MacShelf checks both on upload, so macOS keeps verifying each app the same way it does for any download.

### Do I have to give up my website or Sparkle?

No. Your listing comes with a download link for your own website, and Sparkle keeps working with the appcast MacShelf generates. You can also use the custom update feed instead.

### How do beta releases work?

Publish a build to the beta channel and it goes to your internal testers first. Open a public beta with an invite link when you are ready, then promote the build to everyone. Testers get each new build automatically.

### How much will it cost?

Pricing isn't set yet. People on the waitlist will hear about it first.

### Is MacShelf affiliated with Apple?

No. MacShelf is an independent store and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple.

## Links

- [Waitlist](https://macshelf.hyperdesigned.dev/#waitlist)
- [Privacy](https://macshelf.hyperdesigned.dev/privacy): what the waitlist stores
- Contact: support@hyperdesigned.dev