Ultimate VJ is free VJ software for Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 26 Tahoe or later. You do not need Node.js, npm, a developer account, or a licence key to install the app.
The Homebrew package checked on October 23, 2026 is 0.2.4 (13), a preview build. Testing for long playback sessions and venue output is still pending. Test your complete setup before relying on it for a show. The other guides cover the development app; some features may differ in the installed preview.
1. Check your Mac
Choose the Apple menu at the top left of your screen, then About This Mac. Check that the chip says Apple M1, M2, M3, M4, or another Apple Silicon chip, and that macOS is version 26 or later. Intel Macs are not supported by this package.
2. Open Terminal
Press Command + Space, type Terminal, then press Return. Terminal is the app where you paste the commands below. Paste one code box at a time and press Return. Do not type the word “bash” shown above a code box; it identifies the command language.
3. Check for Homebrew
Homebrew installs and updates software on your Mac. Run:
brew --version
If you see a Homebrew version, skip to step 5. If you see command not found: brew, continue below.
4. Install Homebrew
This command downloads and runs Homebrew’s installer. You’ll install Ultimate VJ in step 5. Read the installer’s prompts before continuing.
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
Press Return when the installer asks. If it asks for a password, type the password you use to log into your Mac, then press Return. No letters or dots appear while you type a Terminal password. That is normal. If asked to install Apple Command Line Tools, let that installation finish. Keep Terminal open until the installer finishes.
At the end, Homebrew prints Next steps. Run the commands it gives you to add Homebrew to your PATH, so Terminal can find it. Use those exact commands; they are tailored to your account. Then run:
brew --version
If Terminal still cannot find brew on a standard Apple Silicon installation, run this to enable it in the current Terminal window, then check the version again:
eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"
brew --version
Run the installer’s Next steps commands as well to make the change persist in new Terminal windows.
5. Install Ultimate VJ
The first line adds the Ultimate VJ software source, called a tap. The second installs the app. Paste both lines, then press Return:
brew tap weswalz/ultimatevj
brew install --cask weswalz/ultimatevj/ultimatevj
Wait until Homebrew reports that the app was successfully installed. If it reports an error, read that error before continuing.
6. Open the app
Open Finder → Applications → ULTIMATEVJ, or run:
open -a ULTIMATEVJ
If macOS prevents it from opening, check System Settings → Privacy & Security for the explanation. Do not disable macOS security or paste commands to remove quarantine flags. If your Mac is managed by an organisation, ask its administrator about installation restrictions.
Now follow the Quickstart to trigger a clip, import media, open output and save a set.
Update between shows
Save your work and quit Ultimate VJ first. Then run:
brew update
brew upgrade --cask ultimatevj
If Homebrew says the latest version is already installed, there is nothing else to do. See Updating for the in-app update workflow.
If something goes wrong
command not found: brew: return to step 4 and complete Homebrew’s Next steps.- Unsupported architecture or macOS version: check step 1. This package requires Apple Silicon and macOS 26 or later.
- Already installed: try opening the app from Applications. Use the update commands when you want a newer release.
- Download or network error: check your connection and retry the failed command. Keep the complete error message if it continues.
- The app opens but playback or output is wrong: see Troubleshooting.
The installer command and Apple Silicon location were checked against the Homebrew documentation. The app commands and preview requirements match the official Ultimate VJ cask checked on October 23, 2026. These instructions have not been tested on a fresh Mac.