First Launch

When you open Zenboard for the first time, macOS will display a security warning. This is because the app has not yet been signed with an Apple developer certificate.

Security Warning

The following dialog will appear:

“Zenboard” can’t be opened because Apple cannot verify it for malicious software.

This is completely normal. Zenboard is not harmful or malicious in any way. This warning appears because I am a solo developer who does not yet have an Apple Developer Program membership.

How to Open Zenboard

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security
2. Scroll down to the Security section
3. Find the message “Zenboard was blocked…”
4. Click Open Anyway
5. Click Open in the confirmation dialog

After completing this one-time process, Zenboard will launch normally from then on.

Why Does This Warning Appear?

macOS Gatekeeper requires apps to be notarized by Apple. Notarization requires a paid Apple Developer Program membership, which has not been obtained at this time.

The app simply has not received Apple certification — it does not contain any harmful or malicious code and is completely safe to use.