Download HackerTree
Direct-download beta for macOS. Drag to Applications, grant one permission, and start your first focus session.
Install
Four steps to your first session.
Download & drag to Applications
Open the DMG and move HackerTree into Applications.
Open the app
Launch from Applications. If Gatekeeper warns, use the override below.
Grant Accessibility
Lets HackerTree read window titles to classify what you're working on.
Start a focus session
Click the notch or press ⌘⌥F. Name your task and grow your tree.
Permissions
What each permission does.
Accessibility
Reads the title of the focused window. This is the core input for telling a React tutorial from a rabbit hole. Required.
Screen Recording
Optional fallback. When text classification is low-confidence, a single screenshot is captured, classified, then discarded.
Gatekeeper
If macOS warns about an unidentified developer.
Direct-download beta apps trigger a Gatekeeper warning until notarized. Here's the one-time override.
Try opening HackerTree from Applications.
Click Cancel when macOS shows the warning.
Open System Settings > Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway.
Or: right-click the app → Open → confirm once.
FAQ
Common questions.
Do I need an account?
No. The beta works entirely offline with no sign-up.
Does it require Screen Recording?
No. Screen Recording is optional and only used as a fallback for low-confidence classification.
Why not the App Store?
The beta ships as a direct download while we finalize distribution. This page explains the trust flow upfront.
Apple Silicon and Intel?
Yes. macOS 14+ on both architectures.