Summary
The Portfolio 4 Desktop Client currently runs on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, and later) via Rosetta 2 emulation. Native Apple Silicon support is not yet available via the Portfolio Desktop Client.
This article explains the current state of support, why it matters, and what's planned.
Affected Versions
This issues applies to Portfolio Desktop Client 3.0 and above running on MacOS.
Current Support Status
Mac Type
| Portfolio Desktop Client Support
|
Intel-based Mac
| Fully supported (native)
|
Apple Silicon Mac (M-series)
| Supported only via Rosetta 2 emulation
|
Portfolio Desktop Client has not yet been updated to run natively on Apple Silicon. On M-series Macs, the Portfolio Desktop application relies on Rosetta 2 emulation, Apple's built-in translation layer.
Do I need to do anything to use Rosetta?
macOS will typically prompt you to install Rosetta 2 automatically the first time you launch an Intel-based application, such as Portfolio Desktop Client, on an Apple Silicon Mac.
If you're not prompted, or if you've previously declined the install, you can install it manually:
Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
Run the following command:
softwareupdate --install-rosetta
Follow the on-screen prompts to agree to the license terms and complete installation.
Once Rosetta 2 is installed, Portfolio Desktop Client should launch and run normally.
Known Considerations When Running Under Rosetta
- Running the Portfolio Desktop Client under emulation can result in somewhat slower performance compared to native applications (or by comparison to the Portfolio WebClient), particularly during resource-intensive tasks (large catalog operations, batch processing, thumbnail generation, etc.).
- Rosetta 2 is an Apple-provided component and is not installed or maintained by PortfolioDAM LLC.
- No special configuration is required within Portfolio Desktop Client itself, Rosetta operates transparently at the operating system level.
What's Changing: Native Apple Silicon Support
Following on from the acquisition of the Portfolio product line (from Extensis/Monotype), the Portfolio product roadmap includes updating the Portfolio Desktop App to add native Apple Silicon support, removing the need for Rosetta emulation on macOS.
There is no confirmed release date at this time. This article will be updated as soon as further details are available.
Q: Will my existing Portfolio catalogs and settings be affected when native Apple Silicon support ships?
No changes to catalog compatibility are anticipated. We will publish upgrade guidance alongside the native release.
Q: Can I continue using Portfolio Desktop Client on Apple Silicon in the meantime?
Yes. As long as Rosetta 2 is installed, Portfolio Desktop Client remains fully functional on Apple Silicon Macs.
Q: When will this become a problem?
Apple plans to end general-purpose support for Rosetta 2 with the release of macOS 28 in late 2027. Current versions of macOS support Portfolio and Rosetta 2 with no problem.
Q: Is Portfolio Server also affected by this?
Portfolio Server is included in the planned update to support Apple Silicon natively. Further details will be shared here as they become available.