Install the desktop app

The RefPack desktop app (RefPack Agent) reads your manuscript and reference PDFs and stores your projects on your computer. You work in Chrome, and Chrome talks to the desktop app on your own computer.

What you need

• A Mac with Apple silicon, or a Windows 11 PC.
• Google Chrome.
• A RefPack account. If you don't have one yet, create an account.

Download

Install and open the app

1. Open the file you downloaded and follow the installer's steps.
2. Open the desktop app: on a Mac from Applications, on Windows from the Start menu.
3. Keep it running while you work in RefPack.

The desktop app listens only on your own computer, and it accepts requests only after it has paired with your signed-in browser.

Connect Chrome to the desktop app

1. Sign in to RefPack in Chrome.
2. If Chrome asks for permission to reach devices on your local network, choose Allow. RefPack needs this to reach the desktop app on your own computer.
3. Wait for the connection status in the RefPack sidebar to show Connected. Select it to see the details.

When it shows Connected, you can create your first project. If it doesn't connect, see Troubleshooting.

Where your projects are stored

Projects are stored in a RefPack folder in your home directory. RefPack does not encrypt them; turn on FileVault on a Mac or BitLocker on Windows to encrypt your disk.

Uninstalling the desktop app does not delete your projects.