Assess a macOS application with Gatekeeper
Build a paste-ready command, then review its compatibility and effects before running it.
spctl --assess --type execute --verbose=4 /Applications/Safari.appread-onlyno known side effects Compatibility
macOSVerified for macOS using zsh, bash syntax.
Operational knowledgereview due 2027-01-20
Requirementsspctlspctl must be installed and available on PATH.
Version supportspctl Current supported releasesVerified for macos using zsh, bash syntax; consult compatibility notes for platform-specific differences.
Expected signals/Applications/Safari.app: acceptedRepresentative successful output; values vary with the selected target and system state.
Known errorsspctl: command not foundspctl is missing or is not available on PATH.
Verifyspctl --assess --type execute --verbose=4 /Applications/Safari.appThe output matches the expected target and exits without an error.Rollback noteNot required: this command is read-only and does not change system state.
Command breakdown
01spctlCommandRuns the spctl stage of this one-liner.
02--assessOptionConfigures spctl with the --assess option.
03--typeOptionConfigures spctl with the --type option.
04executeArgumentPasses execute to spctl.
05--verbose=4OptionConfigures spctl with the --verbose=4 option.
06/Applications/Safari.appArgumentPasses /Applications/Safari.app to spctl.
Example input
spctl --assess --type execute --verbose=4 /Applications/Safari.app
Example output
/Applications/Safari.app: accepted
source=Apple System
origin=Software Signing
Illustrative output — exact values vary by system and data.
Official sources