# How do I install c2patool and read a manifest from the command line?

Source: https://creatisimo.net/topic/how-do-i-install-c2patool-and-read-a-manifest-from-the-command-line/
Site: Creatisimo, category Content credentials and C2PA
Published: 2026-11-06. Updated: 2026-11-06. Replies: 2.

## Question by Remy F., 2026-11-06

I want to check Content Credentials on a batch of images from a terminal instead of dragging them into a web checker one by one. I write small scripts for this kind of thing, but I have only used the browser tools so far. I have seen c2patool mentioned as the command line option and I would like to set it up properly.

Specifically: what is the cleanest way to install it on macOS and on a Linux server, and how do I confirm it is working? What is the basic command to read the manifest from a JPEG, and how do I get a more detailed report if I need one? I also want the output to be something a script can parse.

The last part is trust. A web checker tells me whether the signer is on a list of known certificates. Can the command line tool do the same, or does it only read what is in the file? I would like to flag files with a valid signature from an unrecognized signer rather than pass or fail everything the same way.

## Reply 1 by Dario L., 2026-11-06

I got as far as downloading it and got stuck on macOS because it would not open. Turned out I only needed to allow it in the security settings and put it on my PATH. Maybe check that before assuming something is broken.

## Reply 2 by Ivy C., 2026-11-06

I am new to this, so a question rather than an answer: is the output readable by a person, or only by scripts? I would like to use it for a verification assignment but do not write code.

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Cite as: Creatisimo, "How do I install c2patool and read a manifest from the command line?", https://creatisimo.net/topic/how-do-i-install-c2patool-and-read-a-manifest-from-the-command-line/, accessed 2026-11-06.