---
title: Install and connect on Mac
description: Get your Spools files into Finder.
---

## Before you start

You need **macOS 26.4 or newer**, an internet connection, and a General Motion account with Spools access. Check your Mac's version in **Apple menu → About This Mac**.

The Mac app is currently named **General Motion Storage**.

## Install and sign in

1. Visit the [Mac download page](https://spools.cloud/download/mac). If the download is not available yet, use [Spools on the web](https://storage.generalmotion.studio/app).
2. Download and open the DMG file. Drag **General Motion Storage** into **Applications**, then open the app.
3. Click **Open Settings…** if the app asks you to approve its file system extension. Enable it under **System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions → File System Extensions**. This lets Spools show files in Finder.
4. Click **Sign in** and follow the prompts. Return to the app when done.

## Connect a Drive

1. Open **Drives** and turn on the switch beside your Drive. It opens in Finder.
2. Open a file as usual. To upload a new file, copy it into the Drive. Check **Activity** for progress.

To find your Drive later, open Finder's **Go → Go to Folder…** and enter `~/General Motion`.

**You can connect one Drive at a time.** To switch, let uploads finish and close files on the current Drive. Turn its switch off, then turn the other Drive on.

## If a Drive does not appear

- Check that the file system extension is enabled, then click **Refresh** in **Drives**.
- Check that you signed into the account with Spools access.
- Disconnect any other Drive first.
- Read the error beside the Drive or in **Activity**. Keep your original files until uploads finish.

Spools keeps recently read data on your Mac to speed up reopening files. This is not a full offline copy: files may still need an internet connection.

## Update the app

Spools does not update automatically. Let uploads finish, disconnect your Drive, and quit the app. Download the new version from the [Mac download page](https://spools.cloud/download/mac) and replace the app in Applications. Open it and reconnect your Drive.

Next: [use Spools with Premiere](/storage/premiere/).