Install Qala

Installed in 5 minutes. Step-by-step for Mac and Windows.

Before you start

  • A Mac or Windows PC from the last 5 years
  • A microphone (USB headset, condenser mic or the built-in laptop mic)
  • Your Qala licence key (from the registration email)
  • An API key from Gemini, Claude or OpenAI (see the API Setup page)
Video walkthrough — macOS YouTube video will be embedded here

Download Qala & choose a permanent location

Download "Qala-Mac.zip" and unzip it. Place the "App" folder somewhere permanent — e.g. Documents or Applications. Important: do not move the folder after installation is complete, otherwise Qala will no longer start.

Download Qala-Mac.zip
[Screenshot: install-mac-step1.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Adjust macOS security settings

Open System Settings → Privacy & Security. Scroll to the "Security" section and set "Allow applications downloaded from" to "App Store and identified developers". You only need to do this once.

[Screenshot: install-mac-step2.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Run and approve the installer

Open the unzipped folder and double-click "Installieren.command". macOS will initially block it. Go back to System Settings → Privacy & Security — you'll now see a notice with an "Open Anyway" button. Click it. A second confirmation dialog appears — click "Open Anyway" again, then confirm with your Mac password.

[Screenshot: install-mac-step3.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Automatic installation

A Terminal window opens and installs all required packages in the background. This takes 2–5 minutes. When it's done, a "Qala starten.app" file appears on your Desktop.

[Screenshot: install-mac-step4.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Launch Qala

Right-click "Qala starten.app" → "Open" and confirm the macOS security prompt once more. From this point on, a normal double-click is enough to start the app.

[Screenshot: install-mac-step5.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Run through the setup wizard

Your browser opens automatically. The setup wizard takes about 3 minutes: licence key, AI model + API key, source and target languages, admin password.

[Screenshot: install-mac-step6.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Ready for Sunday service

Start translation, show the QR code on the big screen — your visitors scan it and read along in their mother tongue.

[Screenshot: install-mac-step7.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt
Video walkthrough — Windows YouTube video will be embedded here

Download Qala & choose a permanent location

Download "Qala-Windows.zip" and unzip it. Place the "App" folder somewhere permanent — e.g. Documents or C:\Qala. Important: do not move the folder after installation is complete, otherwise Qala will no longer start.

Download Qala-Windows.zip
[Screenshot: install-win-step1.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Run the installer

Inside the unzipped folder you'll find "Installieren.bat". Double-click it. Windows Defender will ask once → "More info" → "Run anyway".

[Screenshot: install-win-step2.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Automatic installation

A command prompt opens and installs Python and all required packages. This takes 5–10 minutes. Please don't close the window — wait for the "Done" message.

[Screenshot: install-win-step3.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Desktop shortcut

After installation, the installer creates a "Qala starten" shortcut on your Desktop. One double-click is enough to launch.

[Screenshot: install-win-step4.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Run through the setup wizard

Edge (or your default browser) opens automatically. The wizard takes you through: licence key, AI model + API key, source and target languages, admin password.

[Screenshot: install-win-step5.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Ready for Sunday service

Test the mic, turn on the target languages, press "Start" — your visitors scan the QR code and follow along.

[Screenshot: install-win-step6.png] siehe images.md für Inhalt

Download

Download the Qala app for your operating system.

🍎
macOS
Apple Silicon (M1–M5)
Download .pkg →
🪟
Windows
Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
Download .exe →

💡 Tip: Start with a free API key

We recommend the cloud API option (e.g. Google Gemini): translation including audio playback in 2–3 seconds. Local AI models on the same laptop take 7–15 seconds — too slow for a live sermon. A free Gemini API key easily covers a 2-hour service without hitting any limits.

How to get a free Gemini key →

How to use Qala during a service

Start 10 minutes early

Open the app, check in the dashboard that your mic is picking up sound, and press "Start recording".

QR code on the screen

In the admin panel you'll find the QR code. Show it before the sermon starts — your visitors connect within seconds.

After the service

Just close the app. Everything stays configured — next time, one click on "Start recording" is enough.

What to do if something doesn't work

Microphone not recognised

On Mac: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → enable Terminal / Qala. On Windows: Settings → Privacy → Microphone → allow desktop apps.

Visitors can't open the QR code

Laptop and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi. Check that the church Wi-Fi doesn't have "client isolation" turned on (ask your network admin).

Translation doesn't arrive

Check the admin panel: is your API key still valid? Is there still credit on your AI provider account?

Start today.

Register free now →