The fastest way to get apps on your Mac
Most apps for Mac come from the App Store, which is built into every Mac. Open it from your Dock or by pressing Command+Space and typing "App Store". Search for the app you want, click the "Get" button, and your Mac downloads and installs it automatically. You'll see "Install" appear next, then "Open" once it's ready.
Some apps don't live in the App Store and come from the developer's website instead. You download a file (usually ending in .dmg or .zip), open it, and drag the app icon into your Applications folder. This takes a few extra steps but works the same way once installed.
A third option exists for people who use the command line: Homebrew, a package manager that installs apps through Terminal. This is faster if you install many apps, but requires typing commands rather than clicking buttons.
Key Takeaways
- The App Store is the simplest method for most people—search, click "Get", and the app installs automatically.
- Apps from a developer's website require you to download a file and drag it into your Applications folder, but work just as well once installed.
- Your Mac may ask for your Apple ID password or to confirm you trust the developer before installation completes.
- Apps installed outside the App Store sometimes need manual updates, while App Store apps update automatically.
Using the App Store on your Mac
Open the App Store by clicking its icon in the Dock—it looks like a blue square with a white "A" made of sticks. If you don't see it in the Dock, press Command+Space, type "App Store", and press Enter.
Click the search icon at the top and type the name of the app you want. Results appear as you type. Click on the app you're looking for, and a detail page opens showing screenshots, a description, reviews, and the file size. Click the "Get" button. Your Mac will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID (the same account you use for iCloud or iTunes). Enter your password or use Touch ID if your Mac has it.
The button changes to "Install App", then to "Open" once the download finishes. Click "Open" to launch the app for the first time, or just close this window—the app is now in your Applications folder and ready whenever you want it.
Installing apps from a developer's website
Not every app is in the App Store. Some developers distribute directly from their websites. Go to the app's official website, look for a download button or link (usually labeled "Download for Mac"), and click it. Your Mac downloads a file, usually a .dmg or .zip file, which appears in your Downloads folder.
Double-click the downloaded file to open it. For .dmg files, a window appears showing the app icon and an Applications folder icon. Drag the app icon onto the Applications folder. For .zip files, your Mac automatically unzips them, and you can drag the app directly into Applications.
Open your Applications folder (Command+Shift+A) and double-click the app to launch it. The first time you open an app from outside the App Store, your Mac may show a security warning asking if you trust the developer. Click "Open" to proceed. This is normal and happens only once per app.
What to do if your Mac blocks an app
When you open an app for the first time, especially one from outside the App Store, your Mac may show a message saying the app "cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer" or "is damaged". This is a security feature, not a sign something is wrong.
To open the app anyway, hold Control and click the app icon, then select "Open" from the menu. Your Mac will ask you to confirm. Click "Open" again. After this, you can open the app normally without the warning. This Control-click method works for almost all blocked apps.
If you downloaded the app from the official developer website and you trust it, this is safe. If you're unsure where the file came from, do not open it.
Using Homebrew to install apps from Terminal
Homebrew is a tool for people comfortable typing commands in Terminal. It downloads and installs apps automatically without clicking through a graphical interface. If you install many apps or prefer the command line, Homebrew is faster than the App Store.
First, install Homebrew itself. Open Terminal (Command+Space, type "Terminal", press Enter) and paste this command: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)". Press Enter and follow the prompts. This takes a few minutes.
Once Homebrew is installed, you can install apps by typing brew install appname in Terminal. For example, brew install vlc installs the VLC video player. Homebrew handles downloading, installing, and placing the app in your Applications folder automatically. To update all your Homebrew apps at once, type brew upgrade.
Keeping your apps up to date
Apps from the App Store update automatically. Your Mac checks for updates regularly and installs them in the background. You can also check manually by opening the App Store, clicking your profile icon in the top right, and looking for an "Updates" section.
Apps installed from a developer's website usually don't update automatically. You need to visit the website again, download the new version, and drag it into Applications to replace the old one. Some apps include an "Check for Updates" option in their menu, which makes this easier.
Homebrew apps update when you run brew upgrade in Terminal. This updates all your Homebrew apps at once, which is faster than updating them individually.
Uninstalling apps you no longer need
To remove an app, open your Applications folder (Command+Shift+A), right-click the app, and select "Move to Trash". That's it—the app is gone. Some apps include an uninstaller, which you can run instead, but dragging to Trash works for almost everything.
Apps from the App Store can also be removed by opening the App Store, clicking your profile icon, finding the app under "Purchased", and clicking the cloud icon next to it, then "Remove".
If you installed an app with Homebrew, type brew uninstall appname in Terminal to remove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Apple ID to download apps from the App Store?
Yes. The App Store requires you to sign in with an Apple ID before you can download anything. If you don't have one, you can create it for free during the sign-in process. You don't need a credit card unless you're buying paid apps.
Can I download apps on my Mac if I don't have internet?
No. Your Mac needs an active internet connection to download apps from the App Store or from a developer's website. Once an app is installed, you can use it offline (unless the app itself requires internet to function).
What's the difference between a .dmg and a .zip file?
Both are containers that hold app files. A .dmg file opens as a virtual disk and usually shows a window with the app icon and an Applications folder shortcut. A .zip file automatically unzips when you open it. The result is the same—you drag the app into Applications either way.
Is it safe to download apps from outside the App Store?
Apps from official developer websites are generally safe. Avoid downloading apps from random websites or links you don't recognize. Stick to the App Store or the official website of the developer whose app you want.
Why does my Mac say an app is damaged when I try to open it?
This usually means the download was incomplete or the file was corrupted. Delete the app, download it again from the official source, and try opening it. If the problem persists, contact the app's developer for support.