Getting Started

Get SpreadJoy running on your Mac in under 2 minutes.

πŸ“‹ Requirements

System Requirements

  • βœ“ macOS 13 (Ventura) or later
  • βœ“ Messages app signed into iMessage
  • βœ“ Contacts app with saved contacts

Permissions Needed

  • πŸ” Contacts - to import your contacts
  • πŸ” Automation (Messages) - to send iMessages

πŸš€ Installation

1

Download SpreadJoy

Download the SpreadJoy.dmg file from our website.

Download Now
2

Install the App

Double-click the DMG file and drag SpreadJoy to your Applications folder.

⚠️ "Cannot be opened" message?
Right-click the app and select "Open", then click "Open" again in the dialog. You only need to do this once.

3

Grant Permissions

When prompted, allow SpreadJoy to access:

  • Contacts - Click "OK" to import your contacts
  • Automation for Messages - Click "OK" to send iMessages
4

Start Sending Messages!

You're all set! Select contacts, write your message (or let AI help), and send personalized messages to everyone.

πŸ’‘ How to Use SpreadJoy

1. Select Contacts

Choose the contacts you want to message. Use groups or select individuals. Your contacts are imported from the macOS Contacts app.

2. Write Your Message

Type your message using personalization variables:

  • {{name}} - Recipient's first name
  • {{full_name}} - Full name

Pro tip: Use AI to generate unique, personalized messages for each contact!

3. Preview & Send

Preview how messages will look for each contact, then send them all at once. Messages are sent via your Mac's Messages app.

✨ Pro Features

πŸ€– AI Message Generation

Generate unique, personalized messages for each contact using Claude, GPT-4, or Gemini. Bring your own API key.

πŸ“Έ Photo Attachments

Attach photos to your messages. Perfect for sharing memories with friends and family.

🎨 Photo Card Creator

Upload photos and AI will create personalized cards with clever headlines and custom designs.

πŸ“… Scheduled Messages

Schedule birthday and anniversary messages. Never forget an important date again.

πŸ”’ Privacy & Security

SpreadJoy is designed with privacy-first principles. We have zero access to your data.

πŸ›‘οΈ How Your Data Stays Private

βœ“
100% Local Processing

All data stays on your Mac. Nothing is uploaded to our servers.

βœ“
No Cloud Storage

Contacts, messages, and photos never leave your device.

βœ“
No Analytics on Content

We don't track what you type or who you message.

βœ“
Your API Keys

AI keys are stored locally in macOS Keychain, encrypted by Apple.

πŸ“± Direct iMessage Sending

Messages are sent directly through Apple's Messages app on your Mac using native macOS automation. SpreadJoy never sees the actual message contentβ€”it just tells Messages what to send.

πŸ” Secure API Key Storage

If you use AI features, your API keys are stored in the macOS Keychainβ€”the same encrypted vault that stores your passwords. We never transmit or store your keys on our servers.

πŸ€– AI Privacy

When using AI generation, your prompts go directly from your Mac to your chosen AI provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, or Google). We're not a middlemanβ€”your API key means your data goes straight to the source, encrypted via HTTPS/TLS.

πŸ“‹ What We Collect

Only anonymous, non-personal data for app functionality:

  • Subscription status (via RevenueCat) β€” tied to anonymous user ID
  • Basic crash reports (optional) β€” no personal data included
  • App version for update checks

We never collect: contacts, messages, photos, API keys, or any content you create.

πŸ” Technical Security Details

ENCRYPTION
AES-256 Keychain Storage

API keys are stored in macOS Keychain using AES-256-GCM encryption, protected by your Mac's Secure Enclave.

TRANSPORT
TLS 1.3 for All Connections

All API calls to AI providers use TLS 1.3 encryption. Certificate pinning prevents man-in-the-middle attacks.

SANDBOX
macOS App Sandbox

SpreadJoy runs in Apple's App Sandbox, limiting access to only the permissions you explicitly grant.

SIGNED
Code Signed & Notarized

The app is code-signed with an Apple Developer certificate and notarized by Apple, ensuring it hasn't been tampered with.

NO SERVER
No Backend Database

We don't operate servers that store your data. There's no database to breach because your data never leaves your Mac.

LOCAL
Local-Only Storage

App preferences stored in ~/Library/Preferences using macOS property lists. No sync, no cloud.

πŸ”§ Troubleshooting

"SpreadJoy can't be opened because it's from an unidentified developer"

Right-click the app and select "Open". In the dialog, click "Open" again. This is a one-time step for apps downloaded outside the App Store.

Messages aren't sending

  • Make sure you're signed into iMessage in the Messages app
  • Check System Settings β†’ Privacy & Security β†’ Automation and ensure SpreadJoy has access to Messages
  • Try sending a manual iMessage first to verify it's working

Contacts aren't showing up

  • Check System Settings β†’ Privacy & Security β†’ Contacts and ensure SpreadJoy has access
  • Make sure your contacts are saved in the macOS Contacts app (not just iCloud)
  • Try clicking "Refresh Contacts" in the app

AI generation not working

  • Make sure you've entered a valid API key in Settings
  • Check that you have credits/quota remaining with your AI provider
  • Try switching to a different AI provider

Still need help?

We're here to help!

Contact Support