BigIdeasDB Desktop
Install and activate BigIdeasDB Desktop
Install the app, press Activate, and your browser finishes the sign-in. It takes a minute. If the browser hand-off does not work, you can paste a licence instead.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Quick answer
Download the installer for your computer, open it, press Activate, sign in on bigideasdb.com, and the app unlocks. If the browser does not come back, paste the licence shown on the activation page.
- Installers for macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel) and Windows.
- Press Activate, your browser opens bigideasdb.com.
- Sign in, and the browser hands the licence back to the app.
- Fallback: paste the licence from bigideasdb.com.
On this page
Download
Open the Download page in your Desktop account. It picks the installer that matches your computer and also lists the others.
- macOS, Apple Silicon (M1 and later)
- macOS, Intel
- Windows
Early release
If the Download page says the first release is not out yet, installers are coming soon. The page lists them as soon as they are published.
Install on a Mac
Open the downloaded .dmg and drag BigIdeasDB Desktop to Applications. The Mac app is signed and notarised by Apple, so it opens normally. Choose the Apple Silicon file for M1 and later, and the Intel file for older Macs.
Install on Windows
Run BigIdeasDB-Desktop-Setup.exe. The Windows installer is not code-signed yet, so Windows SmartScreen may show a blue warning that says Windows protected your PC. This is expected for a new unsigned app.
- 1
Open the warning
On the SmartScreen screen, click More info.
- 2
Run it
Click Run anyway. The installer then starts.
- 3
Finish setup
Follow the installer, then open BigIdeasDB Desktop from the Start menu.
Only from our page
Download the installer from your Desktop account or the official releases page, never from a link in a message. Windows signing is planned. We will update this page when it ships.
Your 3 computers and offline use
One account can activate Desktop on 3 computers. The licence lasts 48 hours, refreshes at launch and every 12 hours while online, and keeps working offline until it runs out. Details are in Devices and licence.
Activate
- 1
Open the app
On first launch you see "Activate BigIdeasDB Desktop".
- 2
Press Activate
Press "Sign in to activate". Your default browser opens bigideasdb.com. The app shows "Waiting for bigideasdb.com in your browser".
- 3
Sign in
Sign in to your BigIdeasDB account. If your account includes Desktop, the page confirms the computer. If it does not, you can buy the Desktop add-on on the same page.
- 4
Return to the app
Your browser hands the licence back and Desktop unlocks. You can close the browser tab.
If the browser hand-off fails
Use the paste box on the activation screen. Copy the licence shown on bigideasdb.com after you sign in, paste it where the app says "Licence", and confirm. The app checks the licence the same way as the automatic route.
Which account to use
Sign in with the BigIdeasDB account that has Basic, Pro or the Desktop add-on. A different account will not unlock the app. You can check what an account includes in your Desktop account overview.
Frequently asked questions
Which computers does Desktop run on?
Macs (Apple Silicon and Intel) and Windows PCs.
What if my browser does not return to the app?
Paste the licence from bigideasdb.com into the paste box on the activation screen. It works the same as the automatic hand-off.
Do I need a paid plan to activate?
You need an account that includes Desktop: Basic, Pro, or the one-time Desktop add-on. You can buy the add-on during activation.
What's the best way to set up BigIdeasDB Desktop?
Download it from your Desktop account, press Activate, sign in, then connect your AI agent and Clipper. Most people are researching within a few minutes.
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