Installing and Updating

Installing and Updating

Prism releases provide several package types because the desktop app, DAW plugins, and terminal interface have different installation requirements. Choose a normal installer when you want the complete product with the least manual setup.

Downloads by platform

Platform	Packages	Desktop app	DAW plugins	prism-tui
macOS	PKG	Yes	VST3 and AU	PKG links it into /usr/local/bin
Windows	Installer	Yes	VST3 installation is handled by the installer	Installer adds Prism's TUI resource directory to the machine PATH
Linux	AppImage, DEB, RPM, tar.gz	Yes	DEB/RPM install VST3 to /usr/lib/vst3; tar.gz includes an install helper; AppImage does not include installable plugins	DEB/RPM link it into /usr/bin; tar.gz is manual; AppImage does not include it

Always read the release notes for a specific build. Packaging details can change independently of Prism's visible feature set.

macOS

The PKG installs Prism in /Applications, installs the seven VST3 and AU plugins in the normal system locations, and makes prism-tui available from the shell through /usr/local/bin.

System-output capture uses CoreAudio process taps and requires macOS 14.2 or newer. The first capture may trigger a macOS privacy prompt. If capture remains unavailable after approval, quit and reopen Prism so the operating system can apply the permission.

Windows

The normal installer installs the desktop app and TUI path entry. Its Install Prism VST3 plugins (recommended) option is selected by default; leave it selected to install all seven plugins.

Prism's plugins use Microsoft Edge WebView2 for their interface. Current Windows 10 and Windows 11 installations normally include it. If a plugin window is blank while the DAW can still find the plugin, repair or install the WebView2 Evergreen Runtime.

Blurred window backgrounds require Windows 11 build 22621 or newer. Solid and Clear remain available when blurred acrylic is unsupported.

Linux

Prism captures system output through PulseAudio monitor sources. PipeWire installations normally work when their PulseAudio compatibility service is active.

• DEB and RPM packages install the desktop app, all seven VST3 plugins under /usr/lib/vst3, and a prism-tui link under /usr/bin.
• The tar.gz package includes resources/plugins/install-vst3.sh. It installs to $HOME/.vst3 by default or /usr/lib/vst3 with --system.
• AppImage is a portable desktop-only package. It carries neither installable DAW plugin resources nor prism-tui.

Native Wayland does not let Prism programmatically move windows to the top or bottom, and Prism does not persist exact window geometry there. X11 and XWayland do not have those two restrictions.

Updating Prism

Prism checks GitHub Releases when it opens. When a newer version is available, the version block in the toolbar gains an update indicator; select it to open the release page.

Updating the app does not intentionally remove your documents:

• profiles remain in your Prism Profiles folder;
• themes remain in Prism Themes;
• exported clips remain in Prism Captures;
• local preferences, window state, provider priority, and securely stored secrets remain in the platform application-data area.

Back up custom .prsm and .iro files before replacing or manually cleaning application-data folders.

Verifying an installation

After installing:

1. Open Prism and confirm Audio Source reaches Capturing.
2. Check that the toolbar displays the expected version.
3. Run prism-tui --version in a new terminal if the package should have installed the TUI.
4. Rescan plugins in the DAW and look for the seven names beginning with Prism.

If only one part is missing, use DAW Plugins, Terminal UI, or Troubleshooting before reinstalling everything.