The Mac app is a signed and notarized native binary — same on the App Store and on the direct download. Native menu bar, native keyboard handling, and a global shortcut (⌘⌥Space by default) for a scratch chat from anywhere.
Install
- Mac App Store: Search “LADLE” on the App Store. Auto-updates on launch.
- Direct DMG: ladle.chat/apps/mac/download → drag to Applications. Same signed and notarized binary; auto-updates on launch.
- Homebrew:
brew install --cask ladle(community cask, we don’t maintain it; audit before installing).
System requirements
Native macOS features
- Global scratch-chat shortcut: ⌘⌥Space opens a small chat window from anywhere. Configurable in Settings.
- Menu bar quick-chat: hides the main window; a small menu-bar icon opens a compact chat pane.
- Native share sheet: highlight text in any app → Services → “Ask LADLE”.
- Handoff: pick up chats from iOS/iPad if signed in on both.
- Split View: use LADLE alongside another app in Stage Manager or Split View.
Auto-update
The app checks for updates on launch and applies them silently. To force-update: LADLE menu → Check for updates. To disable auto-update entirely: Settings → Advanced → Uncheck “Update automatically.” New versions are signed and notarized before release.
Known limitations
- Global scratch-chat shortcut requires Accessibility permission (macOS system requirement for global hotkeys).
- Menu bar mode doesn’t support long-form chats — cap at 20 messages before the pane suggests you switch to the main window.
- Rosetta 2 required for Intel Macs on macOS 15+ (universal binary handles it automatically, but downloading may take longer).
REPORT AN ISSUE · HELLO@LADLE.CHAT