# 🎹 How to Install Kontakt Libraries on Mac without Native Access
> Tutorial for anyone who has libraries on an external drive and wants to install them in Kontakt 8 without needing Native Access.
---
## What you'll need
- Mac with Kontakt 8 installed
- Libraries on an external drive (with a `.nicnt` file inside)
- The `add-library.sh` script (ask a friend or download from a trusted forum)
- Terminal (already comes with Mac)
---
## Step 1 — Prepare the script
The script cannot run directly from an external drive. Copy it to a folder on your Mac:
1. Create a folder called **Script** on your Desktop
2. Place the `add-library.sh` file inside it
---
## Step 2 — Run the script on a library
Open **Terminal** and paste this command:
```bash
bash ~/Desktop/Script/add-library.sh
```
Leave a **space at the end** and drag the library folder from Finder directly into the Terminal. The path will appear automatically. Press **Enter**.
**Example:**
```bash
bash ~/Desktop/Script/add-library.sh "/Volumes/Audio Tools/Soundbanks/Vintage Organs Library"
```
Type your **administrator password** when prompted and press Enter (nothing appears while typing — that's normal).
---
## Step 3 — Check if it worked
If you see this in the Terminal, it worked ✅:
```
Name = "Library Name";
ContentDir = "Audio Tools:Soundbanks:Library Name:";
```
If `ContentDir` is filled in = installed successfully!
---
## Common issues and solutions
### ❌ "osascript: can't open default scripting component"
The script is running from the external drive. Copy it to the Desktop as shown in Step 1.
### ❌ "Could not parse" or empty `ContentDir`
The folder name has **brackets `[ ]`** or a **trailing space**. Rename the folder in Finder to remove those characters and run the script again.
### ❌ "Library not found" in Kontakt
The registered path is wrong. Run the script again pointing to the correct subfolder where the `.nicnt` file is located. Use the command below to check the folder structure:
```bash
ls "/Volumes/YourDrive/Soundbanks/Library Name/"
```
### ❌ "This instrument belongs to a library that is not installed"
Kontakt lost the registration. Run the script again on the library and restart Kontakt.
### ❌ "Content Missing" (1000+ files not found)
The samples are in a different folder. In Kontakt click **Browse for folder** and point to the correct folder containing the samples. Or check if the library has a samples `.pkg` that hasn't been installed yet:
```bash
sudo installer -pkg "/path/to/Library Part 2.pkg" -target /
```
---
## Important tips
- **Trailing space in the folder name** is the most common issue — always rename in Finder before running the script
- **Brackets `[ ]`** in the name also break things — remove them from the folder name
- Some errors like `sed: first RE may not be empty` and `Document is empty` are **normal** and don't affect the installation
- After installing, **always close and reopen Kontakt** so it can recognize the new libraries
---
## Bonus — Custom wallpaper in the Libraries tab
Want to add a cool image to your library in Kontakt's Libraries tab?
1. Get an image of the library (cover art, logo, etc.)
2. Resize it to **636x98 pixels** (you can use [Canva](
https://canva.com) or Photoshop)
3. Save it as `wallpaper.png`
4. Place it inside the library folder, in the same location as the `.nicnt` file
5. Restart Kontakt — the image will appear automatically!
---
## Quick summary
```
1. Put the script on the Desktop
2. Open Terminal
3. Paste: bash ~/Desktop/Script/add-library.sh
4. Drag the library folder into Terminal
5. Press Enter and type your password
6. Restart Kontakt
7. 🎹 Enjoy!
```
---
*Tutorial based on real experience installing multiple NI libraries on macOS with Kontakt 8.*
---
*by @krashmusicbr*
