NeoMacVim

Use Neovim's Qt GUI like a regular Mac app—no terminal required.

NeoMacVim wraps the official neovim-qt into a macOS .app bundle. This means you can open it from Spotlight, Alfred, the Dock, or Finder—just like any other app.

Is this for you?

• You want to open Neovim's GUI without typing commands every time.
• You're used to Mac/MacVim apps and want something familiar.
• You prefer a simple setup without extra tools or fuss.

If that sounds like you, NeoMacVim fits.

Why use NeoMacVim?

• Launch nvim-qt quickly from anywhere on your Mac.
• No compiling or repackaging needed.
• Easy install with one script.
• Comes with a polished app icon.
• No Xcode or complicated setup required.

NeoMacVim makes Neovim's GUI feel at home on macOS.

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Quick start

Get NeoMacVim up and running in just a few steps.

Before you start

• Make sure nvim-qt is installed and accessible at /usr/local/bin/nvim-qt (or update the script if it's somewhere else).
• You're on a Mac with Terminal access.

Steps

1. Clone this repo:

   git clone https://github.com/jpadamsonline/neo-mac-vim.git

2. Run the app creation script:

   cd neo-mac-vim/scripts
   chmod +x create_app.sh
   ./create_app.sh

3. Move the app to your Applications folder:

   mv NeoMacVim.app ~/Applications/

4. Open NeoMacVim from Spotlight, Dock, Alfred, Raycast, or Finder.

What's next?

Once launched, NeoMacVim runs your existing nvim-qt but makes it behave like a native Mac app. If it opens without errors, you're all set!

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How it works

NeoMacVim wraps your installed nvim-qt inside a standard macOS .app bundle with:

• A launcher script that runs your nvim-qt binary.
• An Info.plist file with macOS metadata.
• A custom app icon for a native look and feel.

This means you get smooth macOS integration without repackaging or modifying nvim-qt.

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Customization

If your nvim-qt executable is installed in a different location, edit the launcher script (scripts/create_app.sh) to update the path.

To change the app icon, replace resources/icon.icns and rebuild the app.

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Troubleshooting

• If Spotlight or Finder does not show the app, run:

mdimport ~/Applications/NeoMacVim.app`

Or restart your Mac.

• Verify that neovim-qt is installed and nvim-qt is executable at the expected path.

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Contribution & License

Feel free to open issues or pull requests! Your feedback and improvements are welcome.

Licensed under MIT.

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Credits & Links

Created by @jpadamsonline

• Neovim Qt GUI
• Neovim
• MacVim — MacVim inspired the native app experience