How to Run Apps in Rosetta on macOS 13

Running applications using Rosetta translation mode on macOS 13 (macOS Ventura) allows Apple Silicon Mac users to execute Universal or Intel-based software in an Intel-emulated environment. This is often necessary when using older plug-ins, specific developer tools, or legacy software extensions that have not yet been optimized for Apple Silicon. This guide covers the exact steps to force specific applications to open using Rosetta 2 on macOS 13.

Prerequisites

To run an app in Rosetta mode, you must be using a Mac with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, or later chips). Additionally, the application must be either an Intel-only app (which runs in Rosetta automatically) or a Universal app (which contains code for both Apple Silicon and Intel). Apple Silicon-only apps cannot be run under Rosetta.

If you have never run an Intel app before, macOS will automatically prompt you to install Rosetta the first time you attempt to open one. You can also install it manually via Terminal by running:

softwareupdate --install-rosetta

Steps to Run an App Using Rosetta

  1. Quit the Application
    Ensure the application you want to configure is completely closed. If it is currently running, right-click its icon in the Dock and select Quit.

  2. Locate the App in Finder
    Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder (or the specific folder where your app is stored).

  3. Open the "Get Info" Window
    Select the application, then do one of the following:

    • Right-click (or Control-click) the application icon and select Get Info.
    • Highlight the application and press Command + I on your keyboard.

  4. Enable the Rosetta Option
    In the Info window that appears, look for the General section. Check the box labeled Open using Rosetta.
    (Note: If you do not see the "Open using Rosetta" checkbox, the app is either strictly built for Apple Silicon or macOS does not recognize it as a Universal binary.)

  5. Launch the Application
    Close the Info window and launch the app normally by double-clicking it or opening it from the Dock or Spotlight. The application will now launch inside the Rosetta 2 translation environment.

How to Verify the App Is Running in Rosetta

To confirm that the app is properly running via Rosetta translation:

  1. Open Activity Monitor (located in /Applications/Utilities/).
  2. Click on the CPU tab at the top.
  3. Look at the column labeled Kind.
    • If the app is running natively on Apple Silicon, it will display Apple.
    • If the app is running through Rosetta translation, it will display Intel.

If you ever need to revert the app back to running natively, simply repeat the process, uncheck the Open using Rosetta box, and restart the application.