Install.

Orchid runs as a native desktop app. Pick the install path that fits your machine — both ship the same build.

macOS

Easiest is Homebrew:

$brew install --cask orchid

Or download the signed .dmg from the download page and drag Orchid into Applications.

First launch

macOS verifies notarization on first launch — can take a few seconds. After that, Orchid opens instantly.

Linux

Download the .AppImage from the download page, mark it executable, and run it:

$chmod +x Orchid-*.AppImage
$./Orchid-*.AppImage

Tested on Ubuntu 22.04+, Fedora 39+, and Arch as of 2026-05. Other distros should work if they support AppImages — report bugs at hi@orchidide.com.

Windows

Download the unsigned installer from the download page and run it. The v1.0 Windows build is unsigned — on first launch, Windows SmartScreen displays a “Windows protected your PC” warning. Click More info then Run anyway to proceed. Code-signing is planned for v1.1+.

System requirements

OS — macOS 11+ (Apple Silicon or Intel), Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), or Ubuntu 22.04+ (or comparable)
RAM — 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended for larger workloads
Disk — ~500 MB for the app + bundled Python; projects need their own space
Python — bundled (no separate install)

What's next

Open Orchid and walk through First project.