Help & Installation Docs

macOS Installation & Security Clearance

CalmFlow is compiled for two architectures on macOS. For optimal performance, please download the package matching your Mac's CPU chip:

• Apple Silicon Version: For Macs powered by M1 / M2 / M3 / M4 series chips;
• Intel Version: For older Macs powered by Intel processors.

⚠️ Bypassing macOS "app is damaged" warning

Because the developer has not purchased an Apple Developer Certificate yet, launching CalmFlow for the first time might prompt the following system warning dialog:
"CalmFlow" is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash. or "CalmFlow" cannot be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software.

1. Press Command ⌘ + Spacebar to open Spotlight search;
2. Type Terminal and hit Enter to launch the Terminal application;
3. Copy the command shown in the box below, paste it into the Terminal, and press Enter (you might need to type your Mac user password and press Enter to confirm):

After running this command, close the Terminal and double-click CalmFlow in your Applications folder to launch it. If you update the application in the future, you will only need to repeat this step if the warning reappears.

Windows Setup Guide

For Windows users, CalmFlow provides a standard .exe installer, compatible with 64-bit editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.

⚠️ Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Bypass

When launching the CalmFlow-X.X.X-win-x64.exe installer, Windows Defender might trigger a blue warning window:
Windows protected your PC —— Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting.

1. Click the small "More info" text link located right below the warning description;
2. The publisher and application name will appear. Click the newly exposed "Run anyway" button at the bottom right;
3. The setup assistant will complete installation automatically, create a shortcut on your desktop, and launch the application.

Core Feature: AI Task Decomposition Coach

The core entrance of CalmFlow is the "Mind Dumper" box on your Today dashboard. It is a quiet place to unload your thoughts:

• Intent Recognition & Separation: We run a hybrid inference model structure. If your input is pure chatting or emotional venting, the AI Coach will listen and reply with empathy and small tips, instead of forcing tasks on you;
• Automated Task Decomposition: When you input concrete, complex goals or unorganized tasks (you can press Command ⌘ + Enter ↵ to submit), the AI Coach will break them down into workflows and atomic tasks with clear criteria, reasoning, and estimated durations;
• Fully Editable Workflow: Before importing the AI proposals into your daily plans, you can freely edit titles, rearrange tasks, or delete tasks you do not want.

Core Feature: Focus Sessions & Positive Audio Synthesis

Once your tasks are clear, the next step is execution. CalmFlow provides a distraction-free space:

• 40Hz Pure Sine Wave Oscillator Synthesis: Unlike lossy MP3 loops, CalmFlow uses the Web Audio API to synthesize pure 40Hz (Gamma wave) sine audio directly via your CPU, which helps boost focus and cognitive space;
• 5 Atmosphere Soundscapes & Grey Noise: Choose from 5 tailored scenes (Deep Work, Writing, Reading, etc.) and filter out office ambient clutter with warm brown noise and soft grey noise;
• Immersive FocusRoom Timer: Entering full-screen focus hides all list items and UI widgets, leaving only the task name, completion criteria, and a beautiful countdown progress bar.

Core Feature: Searchable Local Memory (SQLite)

To let you dump thoughts without worrying about clutter, CalmFlow builds a local indexing mechanism:

• SQLite FTS5 Full-Text Search: Run instant searches offline. Simply click the search box in the sidebar or press Command ⌘ + K to find past thoughts, notes, and workflows by keywords instantly;
• Activity Timeline Logs: All finished sessions and reflections are saved securely in your history dashboard, serving as a clean journal for weekly reviews.

Local-First Architecture & Data Privacy

CalmFlow is built local-first. Your mind maps and personal thoughts belong to you, not the cloud:

Version Updates & Data Safety

Since the beta version is in rapid iteration, direct in-app updating is currently not supported. When a new version is released, please upgrade manually following these steps:

1. Go to the official download page /download ➜ and input the latest invitation code;
2. Download the installer corresponding to your platform (Mac .dmg or Windows .exe);
3. Close the currently running old version of CalmFlow;
4. Double-click the new installer and drag it to overwrite (macOS) or follow the installation prompts to overwrite (Windows) the previous application.

🚀 Future Auto-Update Roadmap

We understand manual installation isn't the most optimal experience. In our product roadmap, **an auto-update mechanism will be integrated directly inside the app**. Once a new release is available, the client will automatically notify you and pull the update with a single click.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use AI task decomposition without an API Key?

A: Yes. CalmFlow has a built-in Mock Provider, allowing you to experience the task-generation workflows without entering a key. For high-quality, customized decomposition, we recommend adding your personal keys in Settings (supporting OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, Ollama, etc.).

Q: How do I backup my local data?

A: Navigate to Settings, and under the Data Management section, click the export backup button to download your entire SQLite database as a JSON file. You can import this file to restore your database on another device.

Q: How do I change short and long rest intervals?

A: You can set default durations for short/long rests in Settings under Focus Timer, or adjust them dynamically using sliders right before starting a focus session.