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OpenRocket is released in two forms: as a packaged application and as a JAR file. The easiest way to get OpenRocket up and running is to download and install one of the packaged installers. Packaged installers include the correct version of Java — you do not need to install, update, or downgrade Java on your device to run them. Download the latest version from the OpenRocket downloads page.

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Pre-installation procedures

Some users experience problems with OpenRocket installation if they skip these steps. Read them before installing.

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Close all instances of OpenRocket

If OpenRocket is currently running, close it before installing a new version. New OpenRocket releases install to the same location and share preferences with earlier releases. If OpenRocket is open when you install an update, the installation may not update all files correctly. You must close all open instances of OpenRocket before installing an update.

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Uninstall prior releases (optional)

Although not strictly required, it is recommended to uninstall any previously installed releases before installing an updated release. This ensures the proper function of OpenRocket.

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Installing OpenRocket

1

Download the installer

Go to the OpenRocket downloads page and download the Windows installer (.exe file).
2

Run the installer

Double-click the downloaded .exe file. If Windows shows a security prompt (SmartScreen), click More info then Run anyway to proceed.
3

Follow the setup wizard

Accept the license agreement and follow the on-screen prompts. The installer will place OpenRocket in the default program directory and create Start Menu and Desktop shortcuts.
4

Launch OpenRocket

Open OpenRocket from the Start Menu or Desktop shortcut. The splash screen will appear briefly during startup.

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Post-installation checks

After installing OpenRocket, verify the installation and adjust any settings that may need changing.

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Verify the installed release number

Check that you installed the correct release. The release number appears on the splash screen during startup, on the right side of the splash image. You can also verify the release number at any time by opening Help > About. This opens a dialog showing the exact release number.

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Check the settings

For most users the default settings work fine. However, some settings may need adjustment. Off-screen rendering Some users report that the rocket in the 3D design view appears too small. This is caused by an incorrect off-screen rendering setting. To fix it:
  1. Open Edit > Preferences.
  2. Click the Graphics tab.
  3. Toggle the Use off-screen rendering setting.
Whenever you experience issues with 3D rendering in OpenRocket, toggling the off-screen rendering setting is a good first step.
Thrust curves folder OpenRocket ships with built-in motor thrust curves, but you can also add your own. For custom thrust curves to be loaded, you need to specify the folder where they are stored. The default thrust curves folder varies by operating system:
Operating systemDefault thrust curves directory
Windows%APPDATA%\OpenRocket\ThrustCurves
macOS/Users/[YOUR USERNAME]/Library/Application Support/OpenRocket/ThrustCurves/
Linux/home/[YOUR USERNAME]/.openrocket/ThrustCurves/
To view or change the thrust curves folder:
  1. Open Edit > Preferences.
  2. Go to the General tab.
  3. Edit the User-defined thrust curves field.
You can add multiple folders by separating paths with a semicolon (;).

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Troubleshooting

OpenRocket installers are not code-signed with a paid certificate, which can trigger Windows SmartScreen. To proceed, click More info in the SmartScreen prompt and then click Run anyway. Only do this with files downloaded directly from the official OpenRocket downloads page.
Right-click (or Control-click) the OpenRocket app in your Applications folder and select Open. A dialog will appear with an option to open the app anyway. You only need to do this the first time you launch the application.
This is an off-screen rendering issue. Open Edit > Preferences, go to the Graphics tab, and toggle the Use off-screen rendering setting. Restart OpenRocket and check whether the problem is resolved.
Make sure you closed all running instances of OpenRocket before installing. If the problem persists, try uninstalling the previous version fully and then reinstalling. See the installation instructions for your platform on the downloads page.
Check the platform-specific installation instructions by visiting the OpenRocket downloads page and expanding the instructions under your platform’s download button. For further help, contact the OpenRocket team.