Many users want to test pre-release or beta versions of our software. To make that possible, we offer test releases with early access to new features and improvements.
A test release is typically made available in the weeks before an official update ships. We vet these releases internally and expect them to be suitable for general use, but they aren’t recommended for production systems.
To access test releases for a product, you need to opt in from the application itself. This is done by changing a hidden setting in the app’s Debugging window. After you’ve opted in, test releases are delivered through our software's built-in software update system.
Follow the instructions below to access test releases.
Open the Help menu in Loopback’s menu bar.
Hold the Option ⌥ key on the keyboard, then select the Quit and Relaunch for Debugging command from the menu.
The software will now relaunch, and its Debugging window will appear. Locate the Hidden Settings section.
Enable the Check for test releases option, then click the Done button.
That's it! The software will now alert you when a test release is available, giving you the option to download it.
If you ever wish to revert to using official public releases, that's easy as well—follow these steps:
Delete the test release by placing it in the Trash.
Download the public release from our front page.
Launch the official release, then follow the same instructions as above to access the Debugging window.
Once the Debugging window is visible, uncheck the Check for test releases option then click Done.
You'll now be back to using an official release, and the software update system will no longer inform you of new test releases.