How to Run KNIME Smoothly on Apple Silicon Macs (Step-by-Step Guide)**
If you’re using a Mac with an Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) chip and facing issues running KNIME nodes or extensions, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you set up KNIME using the Intel-based version, which currently offers broader compatibility with extensions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Uninstall or Keep the ARM Version (Optional)
If you’ve already installed the KNIME for Apple Silicon (ARM) version, you can either leave it as is or uninstall it. This guide focuses on installing the Intel version for better compatibility. - Visit the KNIME Downloads Page
Go to Download | KNIME - Download the Intel Version of KNIME for macOS
Scroll to the macOS section. You’ll see two options:
- KNIME Analytics Platform for macOS arm64 (Apple silicon)
- Choose: KNIME Analytics Platform for macOS x86_64 (Intel)
Click Download (around 671 MB).
- Wait for the Download to Finish
Depending on your internet speed, this may take a few minutes. - Move KNIME to Applications
Once downloaded, move the KNIME app to your /Applications folder like you would with any other macOS app. - Choose a KNIME Workspace Folder
When KNIME launches for the first time, it will ask you to choose a workspace. Select or create a folder where your workflows and projects will be saved. This will be your base folder. - (Optional) Rename the KNIME App
To avoid confusion with other versions, you can rename the app (e.g., KNIME x.y.z - Intel). You can also keep the ARM version if you want to compare them, though in most cases, the Intel version works better with extensions. - Clean Up
Delete the installer file to free up space on your system. - Run the Intel Version
Open the newly installed Intel-based KNIME application. - Install Required Extensions
Navigate to File > Install KNIME Extensions and reinstall any nodes or extensions you need. You should now be able to run nodes that previously failed on the ARM version.
This Works like magic. You don’t have to wait for Apple updates!
You know why?
Because, many KNIME extensions were built and tested primarily for Intel-based architectures. Until full ARM-native support is available across all extensions, the Intel version (running via Rosetta 2) provides greater compatibility.