# Installation

`rftoolkit` is a desktop suite of RF engineering apps — PAView, SNPView, CascadeView, the Parts
Library, and SignalView — that runs entirely on your computer. Everything is processed locally:
the apps never send your data anywhere, and no account is needed to install. PAView is free for
everyone; paid apps unlock with an emailed one-time code after
<a href="../pricing.html">purchase</a> or a beta invitation.

## System requirements

| | Minimum | Recommended |
| -------- | ------- | ----------- |
| Windows  | 64-bit Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
| macOS    | macOS 12 (Monterey), Apple silicon or Intel | macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon |
| Linux    | 64-bit x86_64, glibc 2.31+ (Ubuntu 20.04-era or newer) | A current LTS release |
| CPU      | Dual-core x86_64 or Apple silicon | Quad-core |
| Memory   | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Disk     | 1 GB free (install is ~650 MB) | 1 GB free (install is ~650 MB) |

## Windows

<a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://downloads.rftoolkit.com/beta/latest/rftoolkit-x64.exe">Download for Windows</a>

1. Download the installer (`.exe`) above.
2. Run it and follow the prompts. If Windows SmartScreen appears on first run, choose
   **More info**, then **Run anyway**.
3. Launch `rftoolkit` from the Start menu.

## macOS

<span class="btn btn-disabled" aria-disabled="true">Download for macOS — not available yet</span>

The macOS build is not part of the current beta. It is coming; nothing below has changed about how
it will install. Email <a href="mailto:beta@rftoolkit.com">beta@rftoolkit.com</a> if you need a Mac
build to take part.

1. Download the disk image (`.dmg`) above.
2. Open it and drag `rftoolkit` into **Applications**.
3. Launch `rftoolkit` from Applications. If macOS blocks the first launch, right-click the app
   and choose **Open**.

## Linux

<a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://downloads.rftoolkit.com/beta/latest/rftoolkit-x86_64.AppImage">Download AppImage</a>
<a class="btn" href="https://downloads.rftoolkit.com/beta/latest/rftoolkit-amd64.deb">Download .deb</a>

The Linux build ships as an AppImage and as a Debian package.

**AppImage** — works on any distribution. It runs from wherever you put it and adds no
application-menu entry; use the Debian package if you want one, or integrate the AppImage with a
tool such as Gear Lever.

```bash
chmod +x rftoolkit-*.AppImage
./rftoolkit-*.AppImage
```

**Debian / Ubuntu** — installs a desktop entry and launcher:

```bash
sudo apt install ./rftoolkit-*-amd64.deb
```

**Arch Linux** — no AUR package is published; use the AppImage, keeping the no-menu-entry note above in mind.

## Verifying your download

Every build publishes a SHA-256 for each file at
<a href="https://downloads.rftoolkit.com/beta/latest/manifest-beta.json">manifest-beta.json</a>,
alongside the exact version you downloaded. To check a file against it:

```bash
sha256sum rftoolkit-x86_64.AppImage          # Linux
certutil -hashfile rftoolkit-x64.exe SHA256  # Windows
```

## Updates

`rftoolkit` does not auto-update yet. To update, download the latest installer from this page and
install it over your existing version — your projects, settings, and license are kept.

The download links always serve the newest build, so there is no version to pick. To check which
build you are running, open **Preferences** — the version is at the foot of the sidebar. Quote it
when reporting a problem.

## First launch

Opening `rftoolkit` shows the launcher with all apps. PAView works immediately with no sign-in.
To activate the paid apps (SNPView, CascadeView, the Parts Library, and SignalView):

1. Open any paid app and enter the email address used for your purchase or beta invitation.
2. Select **Send code**, then enter the six-digit code from the RF Toolkit email within ten
   minutes.
3. Select **Activate**. The perpetual license is stored on that computer and does not need a
   renewal or later network connection.

One license supports up to three active computers. Deactivate a computer before replacing it, or
contact `licenses@rftoolkit.com` for help releasing a seat.

<!-- Next-link rail -->
*Next: [Activation & licensing](/getting-started/activation)*