Whimsical desktop app

Whimsical is available as a desktop application on macOS. The desktop app allows you to minimize distractions as you create in Whimsical. You can keep your work organized and accessible with in-app tabs, and navigation using keyboard shortcuts will give you a more efficient workflow.

You can download the Whimsical macOS app here:

https://desktop.whimsical.com/mac/installer/universal

Installing the Whimsical macOS app

  1. Click on the download link to download Whimsical for desktop: https://desktop.whimsical.com/mac/installer/universal
  2. Click on the downloaded file called “Install Whimsical” to run and complete the app installer
  3. Once the installation is complete, open the Whimsical app, sign into your account, and you’re good to go!

Updating the Whimsical macOS app

It's always best to use the most recent version of the desktop app whenever possible. If you're not on the most recent version, the app will notify you to update.

To manually check for updates, open the app, click on Whimsical, and select Check for Updates.

Managing tabs

You can have multiple tabs open in the Whimsical desktop app. To add a new tab, use the + button and then either create a new file or browse through existing files to open them.

Right-clicking on any open tab allows you to:

  • Copy a link to the file (Cmd + L )
  • Duplicate the tab
  • Pin the tab so it always stays on
  • Close the selected tab (Cmd + W )
  • Close all other tabs but the selected (and any pinned) tab

You can also use the following keyboard shortcuts:

  • Open a new tab: Use Cmd + T to open a new tab
  • Switch between tabs: Use Cmd + 1 to 9 to switch between open tabs. Switching will also include pinned tabs
  • Close tab: Use Cmd + W to close the tab you’re currently in

Managing windows

If you use multiple monitors, or want more flexibility in how you display files, you can open the Whimsical desktop app in multiple windows.

To open a file in a new window, hold Shift and click on a file. Or, select "New Window" from the file menu:

Using keyboard shortcuts

If a keyboard shortcut exists in the desktop app, it will be displayed next to the action name when you hover over the action.

All keyboard shortcuts should work the same in both the desktop and browser apps, however, we have introduced a few new shortcuts that are specific to the desktop app.

Additional installation options

Whimsical offers installers in several formats:

If you are installing the Whimsical application on computers where the user does not have local admin privileges, it is recommended to install the Whimsical application to the user’s application folder (~/Applications , e.g. /Users/alice/Applications ) instead of the system application folder (/Applications ). This will allow the automatic updater component to be added without requiring admin privileges.

If you install Whimsical to /Applications , the first time that a software update is detected as being available, the user will be prompted to authenticate with local admin privileges to install the update helper. After this, subsequent automatic updates will run without an authentication prompt.

FAQs

What operating systems are supported?

Right now we only support macOS.

How long does a desktop session last before I’m logged out?

Using email and password: Sessions are indefinite and do not expire.

Using Google Sign In: Sessions are indefinite and do not expire.

Using SAML SSO: Session duration is determined by the default session expiry settings configured for your workspace.

If I remove the desktop app, will my content get deleted?

No, your content is associated with your workspace and safely and securely stored in the cloud. You can still access Whimsical from the browser.

Does the desktop app have an offline mode?

No, using the desktop app requires an internet connection.

I have the PWA desktop app installed on my Mac, what should I do with it?

For the best performance and experience, we suggest using our dedicated desktop app and deleting the PWA app.

How do I open a link from the web in the desktop app?

Once you have used the desktop app, you will be prompted to open Whimsical links in the desktop app from the web:

You can also change how links open under My account (in the bottom left):

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