Sparkle icon

Sparkle

Sparkle is an open-source software update framework for macOS applications. It allows developers to easily provide automatic updates to their users by packaging and delivering app updates from a server.

What is Sparkle?

Sparkle is an open-source software update framework that enables developers to easily provide automatic updates for macOS applications. It was originally developed by Andy Matuschak and Saul Mora and released in 2007.

Sparkle works by periodically checking a server for new updates to the application. When an update is found, Sparkle will automatically download, verify, and install the update in the background. This provides an easy and seamless update experience for the end user.

Some key features of Sparkle include:

  • Automatic background downloading and installation of updates
  • Verification of update integrity via digital signatures
  • Support for release notes and notifications to inform users of changes
  • Advanced caching of updates for faster performance
  • Integration into the user's menu bar for easy access to updates
  • Localization into over 40 languages

Sparkle is implemented in Objective-C and Swift and runs natively on macOS. It supports apps built with most major development frameworks like Cocoa, Carbon, and Qt. Due to its permissive MIT open-source license, Sparkle has been adopted by many leading Mac developers and is an essential part of distributing macOS software.

The Best Sparkle Alternatives

Top Apps like Sparkle

Adobe Dreamweaver, Webflow, Pinegrow Web Editor, EverWeb, Espresso, Unicorn Platform, Artisteer, Website X5 , Blocs, Editor X, Duda Website Builder, Macaw - Image Editor, WebAcappella, PageBreeze HTML Editor are some alternatives to Sparkle.

Adobe Dreamweaver

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Webflow

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Pinegrow Web Editor

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EverWeb

EverWeb is a powerful yet easy-to-use website and application builder designed for non-technical users. With EverWeb, you can create professional, custom websites and web apps without needing to know how to code.Some key features of EverWeb include:Intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows you to easily add and customize different...

Espresso

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Unicorn Platform

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Artisteer

Artisteer is a user-friendly web design software that allows anyone to easily create visually appealing, professional-looking website templates without coding knowledge. It was launched in 2007 by ExtendStudio as one of the first WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) web design tools aimed at non-developers.Artisteer uses an intuitive...

Website X5

Website X5 is a powerful yet user-friendly website builder designed to help small businesses, entrepreneurs, bloggers and anyone with no coding skills to easily create stunning websites. With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and A.I. driven features, Website X5 simplifies website creation.Key features include:Hundreds of professional templates for...

Blocs

Blocs is a user-friendly web design software aimed at small businesses, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and other non-techies who want to build a professional website without learning to code. Its key features include:Intuitive drag-and-drop editor for easily adding and arranging content on your pages300+ mobile-friendly templates designed by professionalsBuilt-in hosting and...

Editor X

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Duda Website Builder

Duda is a user-friendly website builder designed to allow anyone, regardless of technical skill level, to create attractive, functional websites. It works on a drag-and-drop interface with hundreds of professionally designed templates that can be customized to fit any industry or niche.Key features of Duda include:Intuitive drag-and-drop editor...

Macaw - Image Editor

Macaw is a feature-rich graphic design and prototyping application for macOS. Developed by InVision, it is targeted towards web and app designers looking to create responsive website mockups and interactive prototypes.Some of the key capabilities and benefits of Macaw include:Fluid layout engine that allows automatic resizing of elements...

WebAcappella

WebAcappella is an online music notation software designed specifically for writing and arranging a cappella music. With an easy-to-use WYSIWYG interface, it provides users with powerful tools to create professional-looking scores quickly.Key features include:Intuitive a cappella arranging workspace with sounds mapped to a piano keyboard for easy pitch...

PageBreeze HTML Editor

PageBreeze HTML Editor is a powerful yet easy-to-use web design software suitable for beginners. With PageBreeze's intuitive drag-and-drop interface and WYSIWYG editor, anyone can create professional-looking web pages quickly without coding.Key features include:Drag-and-drop interface to add text, images, tables, forms, etcCustomizable templates and themesResponsive design mode to optimize...