Support

Features & Functionality

Which version control clients officially support Kaleidoscope 3?

Contact us if you use an app that you would like to see integrated with Kaleidoscope, or if one is missing from this list.

Are there any differences between the Direct Sale and Mac App Store versions of Kaleidoscope?

The Mac App Store version has some differences to comply with rules enforced by Apple:

  • Uninstalling the ksdiff command line tool that drives most integrations is more cumbersome in the App Store version.
  • The integration with Android Studio cannot be configured automatically.
  • Both the Kaleidoscope app and the ksdiff tool are running inside the App Sandbox, the Direct Sale versions are not. If you don't know what this means, you likely don't care. This can potentially harm ksdiff integration with other apps operating in App Sandbox.
  • Opening a folder in Terminal/iTerm is not possible.
  • Software updates offered free of charge are being delivered through the App Store.
What is ksdiff and why should I care?

Glad you asked! ksdiff is the Kaleidoscope command line tool. It's the way to start Kaleidoscope from the command line environment. We prepared a special page about ksdiff to tell you all about it.

Purchasing & Upgrading

Can I try Kaleidoscope before buying?

Absolutely! Download the latest version of Kaleidoscope from our web site and use it for up to 2 weeks before making a purchase decision. You are still free to decide how to purchase after trying it.

How do I purchase Kaleidoscope 3?

There are two main ways to purchase Kaleidoscope. See above for differences between those.

  1. Direct: Purchase Kaleidoscope directly from Leitmotif GmbH, via our partner FastSpring. Clicking a Open Store button in the app will bring you to the web store. In addition to offering single licenses, the web store offers purchasing of multiple licenses (at a discount), upgrading your existing 2.x license(s), adding a VAT ID to your purchase, and getting an invoice. See below for more.
  2. Mac App Store: Kaleidoscope 3 is also available on the Mac App Store. If you own Kaleidoscope 2 from the App Store, visit the upgrade page for more information.
Can I add my VAT ID, and get a printable invoice for my purchase?

Yes, and yes!

  • Add your VAT ID on the store page, where it says "Your Order" on the left and "Your Payment" on the right. In the right column, below your order total you see something like Includes VAT 28,74 € (19 %). Below that there is a tiny link Enter VAT ID. Click that, enter the ID and click Submit.
  • After completing your purchase, you'll receive an email message that contains a button View Invoice. If that happens to miss data you need, please contact us via email, and include the data you need added.
Do you offer multiple license discounts, site licenses, …?

Yes, we do. Send us an email describing your license needs and we will get back to you shortly.

Is there an upgrade discount for Kaleidoscope 2 customers?

Yes, of course. The upgrade price for the Direct Sale version of Kaleidoscope 2 is USD69.99/84,99€ (plus VAT as applicable). The easiest way to upgrade is from within Kaleidoscope 3. Just click the Open Store button. Visit the upgrade page for more details.

Can I switch my license from the Mac App Store to Direct Sale version (or vice versa)?

The Direct Sale version of Kaleidoscope 3 will detect a Mac App Store license of Kaleidoscope 3 (if it was previously installed and run once). Apple does not provide a means to transfer a Direct Sale license to a Mac App Store license.

I don't want to update to Kaleidoscope 3!

No problem. If you purchased Kaleidoscope 2, you are free to use that version as long as you like. If you accidentally updated to Kaleidoscope 3 and want version 2 back, download it here.

Kaleidoscope magically updated to version 3 and is now in trial mode. What do I do now?

There was no magic, unless you had auto-update enabled and skipped versions in-between. Kaleidoscope 2 showed a Software Update window introducing the new version, with an explicit Install Update button. It even had you confirm you want to install a paid upgrade. Now you have these options:

  • Depending on your license, there are several options to upgrade. See this separate page for details.
  • If you don't want to upgrade, see the question above.
Is there a student discount for Kaleidoscope?

Please email Kaleidoscope Support for assistance. Include some proof of your academic status (such as photo of your Student ID, or at the least by emailing from your academic address).

Technical Support

How do I send feedback or ask for help?

Within Kaleidoscope, head to the Help menu and select either Contact Support… or Send Feedback…, or email us athello@kaleidoscope.app.

What are the system requirements for Kaleidoscope?

Kaleidoscope 3 requires macOS Ventura (Version 13.x), macOS Monterey (Version 12.x) or macOS Big Sur (Version 11.x). The most recent macOS release version is generally recommended.

If you can't upgrade to macOS Big Sur or later, feel free to download and use Kaleidoscope 2. It works on Mac OS X 10.12 or later, including macOS Big Sur (Version 11.6) . It may or may not work on newer macOS versions.

Why can't I launch Kaleidoscope from my version control client?

Kaleidoscope requires installation of the Kaleidoscope command line tool (ksdiff) to work with version control clients, as well as command-line version control utilities such as git and svn. You can install ksdiff via the Integration option from the Kaleidoscope menu.

How do I activate Kaleidoscope on a new Mac?

Kaleidoscope can be activated by either using the Click to Activate link in your order confirmation email, or by downloading the license file from the same email, and dragging it into the Registration window.

I've lost my license email. How can I get a new copy of it?

Choose Help > Recover License… from the Kaleidoscope menu. Or send us an email for assistance. Please include your full name and the email address used to purchase.

Questions

Can't find an answer to your question here? Send us an email and we'll help you.