# How to check that NotchStar is notarized with spctl

> Check the NotchStar download with spctl and a SHA256 checksum. Notarized apps report Notarized Developer ID, so macOS can verify who made it.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/verify-notchstar-download-spctl/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

To check that NotchStar is notarized, open Terminal and run `spctl -a -vv` on the app or the disk image. A notarized download answers with `source=Notarized Developer ID`. You can also compare the file's SHA256 checksum with the one on the install page.

## Check the notarization

1. Open Terminal from Applications, Utilities.
2. For the app, run:

```
spctl -a -vv /Applications/NotchStar.app
```

3. For the disk image, run the same command with `-t open --context context:primary-signature` and the path to the .dmg.

A notarized Developer ID app prints `accepted` and a source line that says `Notarized Developer ID`. Since version 1.0.3 (9 October 2026) every download is signed with a Developer ID and notarized by Apple.

## Check the checksum

The install page lists the SHA256 checksum for the current version. Compare it with your file:

```
shasum -a 256 ~/Downloads/NotchStar-1.0.5.dmg
```

## If macOS still warns you

Versions 1.0.0 to 1.0.2 were only ad hoc signed and did trigger a warning. If you have one of those, download the current disk image again. If you decide to open an app that macOS cannot verify, Apple describes the steps: open System Settings, click Privacy & Security, go to Security and click Open Anyway (the button is available for about an hour after the attempt). Only do that for software you trust. Read the [safety guide](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/is-notchstar-safe/) for what the app does and sends.

## Quick answers.

### Does NotchStar need Open Anyway?

Not the current download. It is signed with a Developer ID and notarized by Apple, so it opens like any other app.

## Keep reading.

- [Is NotchStar safe? Signing, permissions and what it sends](https://www.notchstar.com/guides/is-notchstar-safe/): NotchStar is signed and notarized by Apple, needs no account and sends nothing unless you opt in. See every permission it asks for and how to check it yourself.
- [How to install NotchStar from the disk image](https://www.notchstar.com/help/install-notchstar-from-dmg/): Download the NotchStar disk image, drag the app to Applications and open it. The star appears in the menu bar and the notch is ready.
- [What happens the first time you open NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/first-launch-notchstar/): On first launch NotchStar adds a star to the menu bar, starts the 7 day trial and the notch opens when you move the pointer to it. Here is what you will see.
- [Clipboard history that lives in your notch](https://www.notchstar.com/features/clipboard/): Searchable clipboard history in the Mac notch: text, links, images and files. Skips password manager copies. Click any item to copy it again.

## More in Getting started.

- [How to install NotchStar from the disk image](https://www.notchstar.com/help/install-notchstar-from-dmg/): Download the NotchStar disk image, drag the app to Applications and open it. The star appears in the menu bar and the notch is ready.
- [What happens the first time you open NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/first-launch-notchstar/): On first launch NotchStar adds a star to the menu bar, starts the 7 day trial and the notch opens when you move the pointer to it. Here is what you will see.
- [Which macOS version does NotchStar need](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-macos-requirements/): NotchStar needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later and runs on Apple silicon and Intel Macs. Here is how to check your version and what happens on older Macs.
- [Does NotchStar work on a Mac without a notch](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notch-app-on-mac-without-notch/): Yes. On a Mac without a notch NotchStar draws a small floating pill at the top centre of the screen and opens from there, with the same tools.
- [Where NotchStar appears with an external display](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-on-external-display/): NotchStar sits on the built in notched screen when there is one. On a Mac without a notch it uses macOS main display. Here is what to expect.
- [How hover opening works in NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/how-hover-opens-notchstar/): Move the pointer to the notch and NotchStar opens after a short pause of 80 milliseconds. The open panel is 660 by 296 points. Click mode is in Settings.