Install Bunsho on a Mac

Download Bunsho, drag it to Applications, and open it for the first time.

Updated October 15, 2026

Bunsho is free to download. You do not need an account to install it or to write in it. It runs on macOS 10.15 or newer.

Which download do I need?

There are two Mac downloads on the download page: one for Macs with Apple silicon (M1 or later) and one for Macs with an Intel chip. The Intel file has "intel" at the end of its name.

Not sure which Mac you have? Click the Apple menu at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. If the line says Chip and names an Apple M-series chip, pick Apple silicon. If it says Processor and names Intel, pick Intel.

Install it

Go to the download page and choose the download for your Mac.
When the download finishes, open the file. It ends in .dmg. You will find it in your Downloads folder.
A small window opens. Drag the Bunsho icon onto the Applications folder shown in that window.
Wait for the copy to finish, then close the window. You can eject the Bunsho disk from the Finder sidebar and delete the .dmg file.
Open your Applications folder and double-click Bunsho.

Tip:The first time you open any app that came from the internet, macOS may ask whether you are sure. Click Open. You only see this once.

What you see on first launch

Bunsho opens to a start screen. From there you can start a novel or screenplay, import a manuscript, or explore a sample story. With no projects yet, the sample story is listed first.

Bunsho's start screen with the rows Explore a sample story, Start a novel, Start a screenplay, Import a manuscript and Open a workspace — The start screen on a first launch.

Updates

Bunsho looks for updates by itself while it is open. When one has downloaded, a small notice appears at the top: "A Bunsho update is ready. Restart to update." Click Restart now when you are ready, or close the notice and keep writing. It will wait.

To check right away, choose Bunsho → Check for Updates... from the menu bar. Updates never need an account.

Create your first bookStart a new novel or screenplay, choose where it is saved, and add your first chapter.Import a manuscriptBring a draft in from Word, Markdown, plain text or Fountain, step by step.My Mac will not open BunshoWhat to try when macOS blocks Bunsho or says it cannot be opened.Install Bunsho on WindowsRun the installer, get past the Windows warning, and open Bunsho for the first time.

Still stuck?

Write to us and tell us what you were trying to do. A person reads every message.

Email support@bunsho.io