A subset of users that have upgraded their Macs to macOS 13 (Ventura) have reported the following error when launching Finale v26 or v27:

 

"Finale" is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash.

Error message: 'Finale' is damaged and can't be opened. You should move it to the Trash.

 

This does not occur in all cases and is also not unique to Finale. Regardless, if this does occur, you must delete the Finale application and reinstall it. This can be done without losing user-customized preferences, templates, or libraries per the following instructions:

 

  1. Delete Finale by clicking Move to Trash in the error message.
    In rare cases, clicking Move to Trash fails. If this happens, manually move Finale to the Trash:
    • Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
    • Choose Applications in the sidebar of the Finder window.
    • Drag Finale to the Trash.
    • Empty the Trash.
    • Restart your computer.

  2. Reinstall Finale.
    • Check your Mac's Downloads folder to see if you still have a copy of FinaleSetup.dmg. If so, double-click it to run the Finale installer.
    • If you need to redownload the Finale installer, login to your account at https://account.makemusic.com.
    • For more information, please see Downloading and installing Finale.

  3. After reinstalling Finale, quit all applications and restart your Mac.

  4. Relaunch Finale.
    • Click the Finder icon in the Dock.
    • Choose Applications in the sidebar of the Finder window.
    • Double-click the Finale application.

 

After reinstalling, Finale launches normally. If you have completed the steps above and still cannot launch Finale, please contact Customer Support by clicking Submit a request above.

 

For more information about Finale's compatibility with macOS 13 Ventura, please see macOS 13 Ventura and Finale Notation Products.