# MacLauncher

> MacLauncher is a native runtime system, graphics/effects layer, and tinker tool for playing games on macOS.

Every page of https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/ is also available as Markdown at its own address with ".md" added (the home page is index.md). The whole site is one file at https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/llms-full.txt. The repository's reference documentation is copied under https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/. Source code and releases: https://github.com/procrastinine/maclauncher.

## Pages

- [MacLauncher](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/index.md): Play games on macOS through native runtimes, with a Metal graphics and effects layer and tools for tinkering.
- [What is MacLauncher?](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/introduction.md): A native runtime system, a graphics and effects layer, and a tinker tool for playing games on macOS.
- [Getting started](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/getting-started.md): Download MacLauncher for an Apple Silicon or Intel Mac, get it past Gatekeeper, import your first game and press Play.
- [Macs and macOS versions](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/macs-and-macos.md): Which Macs and macOS versions MacLauncher runs on, which features need Apple Silicon or a newer macOS, and how MacLauncher picks Apple Silicon or Intel builds.
- [The launcher](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/launcher.md): MacLauncher's game library on the Mac: search, filters and sorting, selecting several games, and every part of a game's inspector.
- [How games run on a Mac](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/background/how-games-run.md): Virtual machines, emulators, compatibility layers like WINE, and native runtimes on a Mac: what each one does, and why MacLauncher prefers the last two.
- [Choosing a runtime](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/background/choosing-a-runtime.md): How MacLauncher picks a runtime for a game on macOS, when to use a native engine, Sikarugir or CrossOver for Windows games, which Android runtime to pick, and how versions fit in.
- [Games and runtimes](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/games.md): The game types MacLauncher plays on macOS, from RPG Maker, Ren'Py and Godot games to visual novels, Android apps and Windows games, and the runtimes behind each one.
- [Desktop engines](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/games/desktop-engines.md): RPG Maker, Ren'Py, Godot, GameMaker, Unity, LÖVE, XNA/FNA, Java, Flash and HTML5 games on macOS, through native engine runtimes that usually play a game's Windows release without WINE.
- [Visual novels](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/games/visual-novels.md): Windows visual novels on macOS through native interpreters for KiriKiri, Siglus and RealLive, NScripter, AliceSoft, MAGES., Nitroplus, Minori, FAVORITE, AI5WIN and VNDS.
- [Windows games through WINE](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/games/windows.md): Windows games on macOS through WINE: Sikarugir and CrossOver run the games that have no native engine runtime, with a private Windows environment and graphics settings for each game.
- [Mobile and consoles](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/games/mobile-and-consoles.md): Android, iOS and iPadOS apps, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch games, all running on a Mac without emulating the device.
- [Mac apps, retro and more](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/games/more.md): Native macOS apps and scripts, 32-bit Mac apps, DOS games on DOSBox Staging, ScummVM adventure games, Infinity Engine games on GemRB, Half-Life on Xash3D FWGS, MUGEN, HashLink and video playback.
- [Graphics and effects](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/graphics.md): How MacLauncher's Metal graphics layer applies shaders, upscaling, neural models and frame generation to games on macOS, and how a chain of effects fits together.
- [Upscaling](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/graphics/upscaling.md): Upscaling games on macOS, from nearest-neighbor pixels to MetalFX, AMD FSR 1 to 4, Lossless Scaling LS1, Intel XeSS and other temporal upscalers.
- [Neural upscaling and restoration](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/graphics/neural-restoration.md): Real-ESRGAN, Real-CUGAN and NAFNet, and NVIDIA's DLSS and RTX VSR models through the MLX-DLSS port, running on Apple Silicon Macs with MLX and Metal.
- [Frame generation](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/graphics/frame-generation.md): Frame generation for games on macOS: Lossless Scaling frame generation (LSFG) from a purchased copy, RIFE, VideoToolbox, Vision optical flow, MetalFX, FSR 3 and XeSS.
- [CRT and retro](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/graphics/crt-and-retro.md): CRT Royale, CRT Lottes, Easymode and other CRT shaders for retro and pixel-art games on macOS, with scanlines, phosphor glow and curved glass, plus palette effects and motion clarity.
- [Color, light and sharpening](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/graphics/color-and-light.md): Color and tone, CAS sharpening, bloom, lens effects, LUTs, SMAA, CMAA2 and FXAA anti-aliasing, and depth effects for games on macOS.
- [Building a chain](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/graphics/composing-effects.md): How MacLauncher combines shaders, upscalers, neural models and frame generation in one effect chain on macOS, with processing sizes, recipes, presets and the performance overlay.
- [Shader collections and imports](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/graphics/shaders.md): Running ReShade FX, RetroArch Slang, mpv and libplacebo, MagpieFX and ISF shaders and LUTs on macOS, from downloadable collections or your own files.
- [Any window or display](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/graphics/window-graphics.md): Apply MacLauncher's shaders, upscalers, neural models and frame generation to any app's window, in place, enlarged or scaled to fill the screen, or to one display or all of them, each with its own chain, on macOS 15.2 or later.
- [Tinker tools](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/tools.md): How MacLauncher's tools work on macOS, and an overview of its store downloads, save tools, cheats, decompilers and version management.
- [Stores and downloads](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/tools/stores-and-downloads.md): Import installed Steam, Epic, GOG and itch.io games on macOS, and download any platform or version you own, including Steam depots and Android APKs.
- [Saves and cheats](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/tools/saves-and-cheats.md): Find game saves on macOS, snapshot and restore them, edit RPG Maker saves, and use the built-in cheats for RPG Maker and Ren'Py games.
- [Decompilers and extractors](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/tools/decompilers-and-extractors.md): Unpack archives, decrypt assets and recover scripts and source code on macOS, for Ren'Py, RPG Maker, Unity, Android and most of the other game types MacLauncher supports.
- [Versions and settings](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/tools/versions-and-settings.md): Install and switch runtime versions on macOS, set defaults and per-game overrides, add launch arguments, save .command launchers and run games from the command line.
- [FAQ and troubleshooting](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/help/faq.md): Common questions about MacLauncher, including which Macs it runs on, how its builds can be verified and what it connects to, and what to try when a game doesn't start or doesn't behave.
- [Credits and licenses](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/about/credits.md): Where the images on this site come from, their licenses, and the projects the site is built with.

## Reference documentation

- [Attributions](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/ATTRIBUTIONS.md)
- [Backend and command line](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/BACKEND.md)
- [macOS app builds](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/CI.md)
- [Data model](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/DATA_MODEL.md)
- [Development guide](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/DEVELOPMENT.md)
- [App, game and engine icons](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/ICON_ASSETS.md)
- [Module system](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/MODULES.md)
- [Releases](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/RELEASING.md)
- [Repository guide](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/REPO_GUIDE.md)
- [Launcher UI guide](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/UI_GUIDE.md)
- [UI styles and code map](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/UI_STYLES.md)
- [Verifying MacLauncher](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/development/VERIFYING.md)
- [AI5WIN](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/AI5.md)
- [AliceSoft](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/ALICESOFT.md)
- [Android runtime architecture](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/android/ARCHITECTURE.md)
- [Android native code](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/android/NATIVE_CODE.md)
- [Android](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/ANDROID.md)
- [BGI / Ethornell](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/BGI.md)
- [CatSystem2](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/CATSYSTEM2.md)
- [Construct](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/CONSTRUCT.md)
- [DOS](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/DOS.md)
- [Flash](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/FLASH.md)
- [FNA / XNA 4](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/FNA.md)
- [FAVORITE / FVP](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/FVP.md)
- [GameMaker HTML5](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/GAMEMAKER_HTML5.md)
- [GameMaker](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/GAMEMAKER.md)
- [Godot](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/GODOT.md)
- [Half-Life (Xash3D FWGS)](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/HALF_LIFE.md)
- [HashLink (Haxe bytecode)](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/HASHLINK.md)
- [Haxe native build](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/HAXE.md)
- [Infinity Engine (GemRB)](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/INFINITY_ENGINE.md)
- [iOS / iPadOS](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/IOS.md)
- [Java](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/JAVA.md)
- [KiriKiri](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/KIRIKIRI.md)
- [LÖVE](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/LOVE.md)
- [macOS Game](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/MACOS.md)
- [MAGES.](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/MAGES.md)
- [Minori](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/MINORI.md)
- [MUGEN / Ikemen GO](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/MUGEN.md)
- [Nitroplus](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/NITROPLUS.md)
- [NScripter](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/NSCRIPTER.md)
- [PlayStation 5](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/PS5.md)
- [Game types](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/README.md)
- [Ren'Py](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/RENPY.md)
- [RPG Maker 2000/2003](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/RPGMAKER_2000_2003.md)
- [RPG Maker MV and MZ](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/RPGMAKER_MV_MZ.md)
- [RPG Maker XP/VX/VX Ace](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/RPGMAKER_XP_VX.md)
- [ScummVM](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/SCUMMVM.md)
- [Siglus / RealLive](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/SIGLUS.md)
- [Nintendo Switch](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/SWITCH.md)
- [Tyrano](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/TYRANO.md)
- [Unity](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/UNITY.md)
- [Video](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/VIDEO.md)
- [VNDS](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/VNDS.md)
- [Web](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/WEB.md)
- [Window](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/WINDOW.md)
- [Windows Game](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/WINDOWS.md)
- [WOLF RPG Editor](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/game-types/WOLFRPG.md)
- [Effects plans and launcher API](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/EFFECT_PLANS.md)
- [Frame, presentation and source-sizing APIs](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/FRAME_API.md)
- [Frame sources and runtime adapters](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/INPUTS_AND_ADAPTERS.md)
- [Preparation and live updates](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/LIVE_UPDATES.md)
- [Neural models and packages](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/NEURAL_RESTORATION.md)
- [Graphics pipeline](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/PIPELINE.md)
- [Graphics providers](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/PROVIDERS.md)
- [Graphics and effects](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/README.md)
- [Shader, model and media integration](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/SHADERS_AND_MEDIA.md)
- [Renderer integrations](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/SHARED_PROCESSING.md)
- [Runtime status and processor delivery](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/graphics/STATUS_AND_DELIVERY.md)
- [Game detection](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/library/DETECTION.md)
- [External game libraries](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/library/EXTERNAL.md)
- [Game icons](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/library/GAME_ICONS.md)
- [Game preparation and storage](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/library/GAME_PREPARATION.md)
- [Android app downloads](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/library/GOOGLE_PLAY.md)
- [MacLauncher guide](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/README.md)
- [releases/0.3.0.md](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/releases/0.3.0.md)
- [releases/0.3.1.md](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/releases/0.3.1.md)
- [releases/0.4.0.md](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/releases/0.4.0.md)
- [releases/0.5.0.md](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/releases/0.5.0.md)
- [releases/0.5.2.md](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/releases/0.5.2.md)
- [CrossOver](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/CROSSOVER.md)
- [Custom runtime layouts](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/CUSTOM_RUNTIME_LAYOUTS.md)
- [GitHub metadata transport](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/GITHUB_TRANSPORT.md)
- [Native runtime and tool setup](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/NATIVE_TOOL_SETUP.md)
- [Network isolation](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/NETWORK_ISOLATION.md)
- [Runtime system](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/README.md)
- [Rosetta](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/ROSETTA.md)
- [Runtime release catalogs](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/RUNTIME_CATALOGS.md)
- [Runtime distribution](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/RUNTIME_DISTRIBUTION.md)
- [Runtime settings and inspector actions](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/SETTINGS_REFERENCE.md)
- [Sikarugir (Wine)](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/SIKARUGIR.md)
- [Steam API support](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/STEAM_API.md)
- [System requirements](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/SYSTEM_REQUIREMENTS.md)
- [Upstream sources and adaptations](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/UPSTREAMS.md)
- [Web runtimes: Electron and NW.js](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/runtimes/WEB_RUNTIMES.md)
- [Cheats](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/tools/CHEATS.md)
- [Installer reader](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/tools/INSTALLERS.md)
- [Native binary inspection](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/tools/NATIVE_INSPECTION.md)
- [Inspector tools](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/tools/README.md)
- [Save tools and snapshots](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/tools/SAVE_SNAPSHOTS.md)
- [App updates](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/reference/UPDATES.md)

## Optional

- [The whole site in one file](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/llms-full.txt)
- [Interactive demo](https://procrastinine.github.io/maclauncher/demo/): the real launcher interface on example data; needs JavaScript