How to check that NotchStar is notarized with spctl

Getting started Published 4 November 2026

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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

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

spctl -a -vv /Applications/NotchStar.app

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 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.

Link to this answer

Keep reading.

Is NotchStar safe? Signing, permissions and what it sends: 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: 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: 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: Searchable clipboard history in the Mac notch: text, links, images and files. Skips password manager copies. Click any item to copy it again.

Put your notch to work.

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