# Migrate from the Mac App Store (MAS) edition to the Standalone edition
The latest version of PopClip is 2026.8.1, but it is not available as
an update on the Mac App Store, because [PopClip left the Mac App Store in 2024](https://forum.popclip.app/t/popclip-is-leaving-the-mac-app-store/2188). If you are still using the last released Mac App
Store version, 2023.9, then you can migrate to the Standalone edition to receive
the latest updates.
## PopClip 2026.7 is a paid update
PopClip 2026.7 is an **optional paid update** for Mac App Store customers who bought PopClip in 2018 or earlier. Upon detecting your MAS purchase, PopClip will show an _Upgrade…_ button in the App settings tab. This leads to a choice of two offers:
1. 30% off a Lifetime License (free updates forever) — current offer price US$22.40 + tax, or local equivalent; or
2. a **free** Standard License (2 more years of updates) — nothing to pay.
_This is the first paid update in PopClip's history, after 15 years of free updates. Your license purchase will support the ongoing development of the app._
## How to migrate
1. Quit the MAS edition of PopClip, if it is running.
2. Use Finder to move the the MAS edition of PopClip from the `/Applications`
folder to the Trash. (Don't use an app cleaner or uninstaller tool, as that
will likely delete your settings and extensions.)
3. Download PopClip from the [download](https://www.popclip.app/download) page, and unzip it.
4. Use Finder to move it to the `/Applications` folder.
5. Run the new PopClip app. It will detect your Mac App Store purchase and
unlock itself.
You can confirm the license status by viewing the license details in the App pane
of PopClip's settings window.
## ...I get this weird macOS error though
> The operation can't be completed because some items had to be skipped. For
> each item, choose File > Get Info, make sure "Locked" is deselected, and then
> check the Sharing & Permissions section. When you are sure the items are
> unlocked and not designated as Read Only or No Access, try again.
This Finder error occurs on macOS Sequoia if you ignore step 2 of the
instructions and try to drag the new app over the existing MAS edition without
deleting it first. To avoid this error message you must manually trash the MAS
edition first.
## ...but I don't have MAS PopClip already installed and it's not available in the store!
Even though PopClip is not searchable in the MAS storefront, it is still part of
your purchased apps list. Install it by going to your account screen in the MAS
and scroll down the Purchased list (it's ordered by purchase date, so you might
have to scroll a long way if you bought it a long time ago).
In case the MAS fails to install PopClip from Purchased list, ensure that there
are no other copies of PopClip anywhere (e.g. in Applications or Downloads
folder), and try again.
After installing PopClip from the MAS, run it once, quit it, and then follow the
steps in [How to migrate](#how-to-migrate) above.
## ...but the App Store is broken on my old version of macOS
The Mac App Store
[currently doesn't work on macOS 10.14 and below](https://mjtsai.com/blog/2025/02/06/mac-app-store-broken-on-macos-10-14-and-earlier/).
Use the free [Legacy OS License key](https://www.popclip.app/download#license-key-for-legacy-macos).
## ...but what about installing in future on a new Mac?
You may be thinking that you have to mess about installing the MAS edition
first, then the Standalone edition, whenever you install PopClip on a new Mac.
Not so!
In future, the Standalone edition will detect a proof your MAS purchase in
iCloud and unlock itself.
This assumes you have iCloud enabled on your Mac now, and you use the same
iCloud account on the new Mac.
## Migration FAQs
- **What happens to my settings and extensions?**
Your settings and
extensions will be preserved when you migrate to the Standalone edition.
_Important: do not use an app cleaner or uninstaller tool to remove the MAS
edition! That will likely delete your settings and extensions._
- **How will I get future updates?**
After migrating to the Standalone
edition, you will receive updates automatically through the in-app update
mechanism. Make sure that "Check for updates" is enabled in PopClip
preferences.
- **Are there any differences between the MAS and Standalone editions?**
There are no functional differences between the MAS and Standalone
editions. They are both built from the exact same codebase. Only the method of
distribution is different.
- **How can I tell which edition of PopClip I have?**
In the PopClip
preferences window, the App or About pane shows the edition of PopClip you are using.
- **After migrating, what kind of license do I have exactly?**
For MAS
customers who have migrated to the Standalone edition, I will apply the
published [update policy](https://www.popclip.app/terms.md#update-policy). In summary:
- _Purchased from MAS on or after January 1, 2023:_ This will be treated as
equivalent to a lifetime license for update purposes.
- _Purchased from MAS before January 1, 2023:_ I will release free updates at
my discretion. In the future, I may release an update that requires payment
from you.
- **Can I buy a new license key for the Standalone edition?**
I am currently
offering all MAS customers a 30% discount on the Lifetime License, which can
be purchased on the [buy](https://www.popclip.app/buy) page. Please send proof of your MAS purchase
to my [support email](https://www.popclip.app/support.md).