Looking for feedback on my app

Targets macOS
1

Hi,

I’m working on a rather cool, and perhaps somewhat ambitious app that will apply effects to images. I know there are similar apps out there but I’m taking a shot at it and hopping to have somewhat unique effects built in. It does have some standard things built in.

Anyway, if anyone wants to try it it out, I’m looking for some feed back on it.

A few things the app:
It is still in development so there is no saving and watermarks and whatnot appear on the image in this demo.

Haven’t named the app yet as I’m debating on a few names I have for it.

Its universal binary for Mac OS. (maybe someday there will be a Windows version)

No plugs are used. No openGL or the like is used, just pure XOJO code.

The app does not effect the source image.

Demo:
Effects Demo

Thanks.

2

The url gives a 404 as result.

3

also 404 error here

4

This works..

https://erockus.elementfx.com/Mac/Demo.zip

Looks like the OP forgot to capitalize the D

However, it isnt codesigned, so we get:

image
image542×508 58.9 KB

Once signed, it runs.

  • The effects happen quickly.
  • The interface is a bit sparse, but works if you are happy with menus
  • On my machine, the options dialogs appear “off screen” to the left, and need to be dragged onto the main screen to be used.
5

I can’t even start the app because the app says that it’s damaged.

6

Indeed.
This isn’t my app, of course.
That message is Apple trying to scare people, (and is deliberately misleading, I feel).

It appears because the OP has not code signed the app

7

And not notarized…

8

Yeah my bad. Its supposed to be a Demo.zip not demo.zip. Thats what I get when I post something when I’m tired… :laughing:

Yeah I need to add a bit more to the interface.
The options dialogs default location is set to main screen. Should it be set to parent window?

Thank you for the feedback.

9

Its not code signed or notarized yet. Money has been tight so haven’t been able to get that done. If anyone is concerned about it being not code signed or notarized, I have many apps up on MacUpdate and they are not signed/notarized and people download them.

10

The problem is that newer macOS makes it harder to run those types of apps.
As you can see the screenshot shared above there are only 2 options ‘Cancel’ and ‘Move to Bin’ (trash). Most people will not be able to run your apps while using the newer macOS even if they download your apps from MacUpdate or elsewhere.

4 Likes
11

Ah I see. Does the user then have to go into Privacy & Security and allow the app to run then on newer versions of Mac OS?

12

Not sure, I recently updated macOS and I only get those 2 options. Haven’t checked what is needed to make your Demo run. I guess I need to change some settings but not sure what.

13

Correct, or use the command line to run xattr -cr <app path>.

1 Like
14

…and literally anything other than ‘works first time’ will make potential users either silently walk away, or send a support email.

Most Mac users are used to installing apps by copying the app into Applications from an opened DMG file. Yet I still hear from people who put the whole DMG into Applications and complain that it doesn’t work.

2 Likes
15

This is why Zip is a better distribution format. User double clicks and there’s the app. It’s far simpler for today’s average Mac user.

1 Like
16

I can buy that ,but won’t they then end up with the app sitting in Downloads?

17

This happens, but at least they see the app. It does stop them from downloading the same version a dozen times. For the most part, Mac apps when built properly should work from any location.

18

Some of my users are really old (>80) but I never had any complaint about anyone not able to handle a dmg. But I have an installer for the app.

1 Like
19

I would not cal it “better”, because it has other disadvantages.
For example, the fact that a dmg is automatically mounted when double clicked means I can just double click on the Safari’s download button and copy the app to /Applications. I don’t ever need to open the downloads folder.
One issue among others.

1 Like
20

I find, from helping as end user, client, and family technical support, that today’s Mac users just don’t get the disk image process. I have seen first hand Desktops and Downloads folders littered with additionally downloaded copies of disk images. Unfortunately, from what I’ve seen just not enough end users understand disk images.

Markets will vary, of course. But I find zip easier for both the end user and myself as a developer.

3 Likes