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KeyshepherdKeyshepherd

Installation Guide • Updated Sep 2026

How to install on macOS

Unlike Windows, macOS has strict security and privacy features. Follow these quick steps to install Keyshepherd and grant the necessary permissions for it to type perfectly.

1. Download & Install

First, download the macOS setup file (the .dmg file) from your dashboard or download page.

  • Double-click the downloaded .dmg file to open it.
  • A beautiful window will appear. Simply drag the Keyshepherd icon into the Applications folder shortcut right next to it.
  • The app is now installed on your Mac! You can close this window.

2. Opening for the first time (Security Warnings)

Because Keyshepherd is an independent app, macOS Gatekeeper might show a security warning when you first open it. Here is how to easily fix it:

A. If it says "Unidentified Developer":

  1. Open your Applications folder in Finder.
  2. Right-click (or Control-click) on the Keyshepherd app.
  3. Select Open from the menu, then click Open again.

B. If it says "App is damaged and should be moved to Trash":

macOS sometimes quarantines downloaded files. To safely bypass this:

  1. Ensure you have moved Keyshepherd to your Applications folder.
  2. Open the Terminal app (Press Cmd + Space and type Terminal).
  3. Copy and paste this command and press Enter:
    xattr -cr /Applications/Keyshepherd.app
  4. You can now open Keyshepherd normally!

3. Granting Required Permissions

Because Keyshepherd translates your keystrokes into Sinhala globally across all apps, macOS requires you to explicitly grant it permission to monitor your keyboard. Without this, the app will not work.

Accessibility & Input Monitoring

  1. Click the Apple logo () in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security.
  3. Click on Accessibility. Turn on the switch next to Keyshepherd.
  4. Go back to Privacy & Security, then click on Input Monitoring. Turn on the switch for Keyshepherd as well.

*If you don't see Keyshepherd in the list, click the "+" button at the bottom and select it from your Applications folder.

Do not open the Accessibility page that lists VoiceOver and Display Size — that is a different screen. Use Privacy & Security → Accessibility. If shortcuts or Sinhala letters still do not type, see Mac: Shortcuts and Sinhala letters not working.

You're all set!

Keyshepherd is now fully configured on your Mac. You can start typing seamlessly in Photoshop, Word, or any other application.

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