> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.scriptation.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Scriptation keeps crashing on launch (Mac)

If Scriptation for Mac is crashing the moment you launch it, work through these fixes in order — most launch crashes clear up at step 1 or 2.

|| 📝 NOTE: macOS doesn't have the iPad and iPhone "Restart processes on the next launch" toggle — so the steps below are the Mac-specific path.

### Try these steps first

1. **Restart your Mac.** A clean restart clears temporary memory issues that often cause launch crashes. Power down fully, wait a few seconds, and turn the Mac back on before relaunching Scriptation.
2. **Check your macOS version.** If you're on macOS 26 (Tahoe), the latest Scriptation is required — see [Why isn't Scriptation working on macOS 26 (Tahoe)?](https://help.scriptation.com/en/article/why-isnt-scriptation-working-on-macos-26-tahoe-e9fesn/) for the minimum version. For older macOS versions, see [Current Version and System Requirements](https://help.scriptation.com/en/article/current-version-and-system-requirements-1yryfi7/).
3. **Update Scriptation.** Open the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scriptation-pdf-for-film-tv/id1094587086), check the **Updates** tab, and install any pending Scriptation update.

If Scriptation still crashes after restarting, confirming compatibility, and updating, move on to resetting Scriptation's preferences.

### Reset Scriptation's preferences

A corrupt file in Scriptation's Recent Files list — or a problem with the saved application state — can cause Scriptation for Mac to crash the instant it tries to reopen. Clearing the **Data** folder forces Scriptation to start fresh on the next launch.

|| 📝 NOTE: This clears the Recent Files list and saved app state — it does **not** delete any of your scripts. Your files remain in their cloud or local storage locations and can be reopened from **Select File** in Scriptation.

1. Quit Scriptation (or force-quit if it's hung).
2. Open a **Finder** window.
3. Press **Cmd + Shift + G**, or go to the top menu and click **Go** > **Go to Folder**.
4. Paste this string (including the `~` and the `/`) and press **Return**:

   `~/Library/Containers/com.scriptation.Scriptation-Studio`

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/60818aeea8717000/library-100_13tzleb.png)

5. Move the **Data** folder to the Trash.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/60818aeea8717000/data-folder_7mhntd.png)

6. Reopen Scriptation. The Recent Files list is now empty, and the app should launch normally.

### Last resort — delete and reinstall

If Scriptation still crashes after every step above, delete-and-reinstall is the final option. Before you do, check our [Should I Delete and Reinstall Scriptation?](https://help.scriptation.com/en/article/should-i-delete-and-reinstall-scriptation-1gwpu6w/) article — Mac doesn't lose local files the way iPad and iPhone do, but you'll still need to re-link any cloud connections (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive).

| 💡 TIP: If none of these steps have worked, please reach out using the **Send us an email** button at the bottom of this page and let us know which steps you've already tried.

# What's Next

[Why isn't Scriptation working on macOS 26 (Tahoe)?](https://help.scriptation.com/en/article/why-isnt-scriptation-working-on-macos-26-tahoe-e9fesn/)
[Should I Delete and Reinstall Scriptation?](https://help.scriptation.com/en/article/should-i-delete-and-reinstall-scriptation-1gwpu6w/)
[Welcome to Scriptation for Mac](https://help.scriptation.com/en/article/welcome-to-scriptation-for-mac-uafvn/)