Orbit will not open
Download a fresh installer for the processor shown in About This Mac, install it in Applications, and launch that copy. Keep the macOS security protections enabled. If a security or compatibility message remains, record its exact wording and the Orbit and macOS versions before seeking help.
Do not delete the workspace data as a first troubleshooting step. Export it when possible before any cleanup.
Changes will not save
Read the error beside the form. Validation errors need a field correction. A revision conflict means another window or AI client saved a newer version; use the offered reload or draft-review action, compare the current saved content, and retry.
For scratchpad failures, use Retry save. For document conflicts, reload saved documents while keeping the draft, or create a new document from the draft if the original was removed. Finish upload progress before leaving a card or asset operation.
A folder is missing or a scan fails
Check that its drive is connected and the saved path is accessible. In Sources, choose Change folder location for moved folders, then Rescan folder. An interrupted scan can be retried. A displayed previous result may be the last successful snapshot rather than a new scan.
Dependency results are incomplete
Review the package location’s reason: missing or unsupported lockfiles, unresolved versions, stale package data, missing runtimes, or failed online lookups can reduce coverage. Correct the problem, check the configured executable paths, and run the check again.
No findings with incomplete coverage does not establish that all packages were checked. See dependency checks and Tools & runtimes.
Git activity is unavailable
Confirm that the repository has activity enabled, not just a remote URL. Check the selected account, token expiration, repository access, owner, and required read permissions. Use Replace token to reconnect an expired account, and wait until a reported retry time after rate limiting.
Local cloning uses your Git credentials; an API token connection does not automatically authenticate your local Git client. Offline, saved activity remains readable but cannot refresh.
AI or MCP cannot connect
For scratchpad AI, check the API key and exact model ID, then select Save and verify. Writing notes still works without AI. Generate actions also works without AI when the scratchpad contains only a single URL; multiple URLs or mixed notes need a provider connection.
For MCP, copy the configuration from the installed app, merge it into the client’s settings, restart its connection, and approve the server if required. Check that the configured command and paths exist. Start with “List my Orbit projects.” Keep the desktop app running for queued scans and refreshes. See MCP setup.
Secrets are locked
Use the PIN you set for this Orbit workspace. If you have forgotten it, follow PIN recovery. Recovery with Touch ID or a recovery code keeps your saved secrets. Reset secrets deletes them from every project. Workspace archives do not include those values and cannot restore them.
An import or licence action fails
Use a valid Orbit workspace ZIP, review its preview, and save or discard settings drafts before importing. Check the existing project list before repeating an import, because each successful import creates new copies. Free must stay within three saved projects; archived projects count.
For Pro verification, reconnect, update payment details if needed, and use Refresh license. Check registered device usage if activation reports a device limit. Existing project content remains available when verification needs attention.
Collect useful support details
If you still need help, sign in and use the Support page in your Orbit account, or email support@orbitdesktop.com. Pro users receive priority support. Include:
- Your Orbit version from Settings → About, plus your macOS version and processor.
- The exact error and the steps that led to it.
- Whether the problem still happens after restarting Orbit.
- A screenshot if it helps explain the problem.
Remove API keys, licence keys, recovery codes, secret values, and private project content from anything you send.