Install and first sign-in
CKS Desk is a private Mac app. It is not a website. Josh sends the app file. Read this before you open it.
What you need
- An Apple Silicon Mac (a MacBook Air is enough). Intel Macs will not run this build.
- The file CKS Desk_0.1.0_aarch64.dmg — Josh sends this separately from any overview link.
- The PIN Josh set for your seat. This page never includes your PIN.
- Google Chrome in Applications only if you will export PNGs. The desk runs without it.
1. Save the DMG
Put CKS Desk_0.1.0_aarch64.dmg in Downloads or on the Desktop. Do not open it from the message bubble if macOS warns you there.
2. Apple’s “malware” sheet
You will likely see: Apple could not verify this file is free of malware.
That is Gatekeeper. The app is not on the App Store. It is not a virus-scan result.
- Click Done. Do not click Move to Trash.
- In Finder, Control-click (right-click) the DMG → Open → Open.
- If that fails: System Settings → Privacy & Security → scroll to CKS Desk → Open Anyway.
Optional, in Terminal, after the file is in Downloads:
xattr -cr ~/Downloads/"CKS Desk_0.1.0_aarch64.dmg" open ~/Downloads/"CKS Desk_0.1.0_aarch64.dmg"
3. Install
Open the disk image. Drag CKS Desk to Applications. Eject the disk image.
If the app repeats the malware sheet: Control-click CKS Desk in Applications → Open.
4. First open
The window checks this Mac (chip, macOS, disk, Chrome). If anything is fatal, it will say so and will not create a desk folder. Then you get Sign in.
5. Sign in
- Pick your name (your seat).
- Enter the PIN Josh gave you.
- Enter.
If your name says PIN not set, stop and message Josh. Do not guess.
If the screen says Lock this desk, you are on a brand-new copy with no SuperAdmin PIN yet. Only Josh should complete that. Close it and tell him.
6. Your seat (first time)
You may see the sources you are allowed to use, and notification checkboxes. Those boxes only store a preference; they do not text or email yet. Choose Enter desk.
7. What you will use
- Studio — build a graphic and export a 1920×1080 PNG
- Library — stills already exported
- Brand kit — official marks and the 2022 guideline
- Watches / Alerts — what changed
Josh owns people, keys, and which sources you may use. You run the hour. Each Mac is its own desk — files do not sync between laptops.
If something fails
- Intel Mac or very old macOS — the app refuses. Use an M-series Mac.
- Cannot sign in — your PIN is not on that Mac yet. Josh has to add you there.
- Export PNG fails — install Google Chrome in Applications.