When you install software from outside the Mac App Store, the installation process depends on the file format supplied by the developer. The most common formats include DMG files, PKG installer packages, and standalone application files.
A DMG file typically opens a disk image containing an application and installation instructions. A PKG file launches an installer that guides you through the installation process. Some applications can be opened directly after downloading, without a traditional installation wizard.
macOS also uses security features, including Gatekeeper, to help protect your Mac from potentially unsafe software. An app downloaded from another source may trigger a warning if macOS cannot verify its developer or security status. You should not automatically bypass these warnings.
First, confirm that you downloaded the software from a trustworthy source and that the application is appropriate for your Mac.
The following steps explain the process in a clear, beginner-friendly way.
Installing Software on Mac from Other Sources
To Install Software on a Mac from Other Sources,
- Download the Mac-compatible software from the developer’s official website or another trusted source.
- Open the downloaded DMG, PKG, or application file, depending on the software’s installation format.
- Follow the installation instructions, or drag the application into the Applications folder when prompted.
- Open Finder > Applications and double-click the newly installed application.
- If macOS displays a security warning, verify the app’s source and use the appropriate security approval option when available.
- Complete any additional setup instructions and check that the application works correctly.
Step 1: Check Your Mac and Find Compatible Software
Before downloading an application, check whether the software supports your Mac. This is important because applications may be designed for different macOS versions, processor types, or system requirements.
To check your Mac’s basic information, select Apple menu > System Settings > General > About. On some older macOS versions, you may find the information through Apple menu > About This Mac.
Look for details such as your macOS version, Mac model, and chip type. Newer Macs may use Apple silicon, such as the M-series chips, while older models may use Intel processors. Some applications support both, while others are optimized for a particular architecture.
Next, visit the software developer’s official website and locate the download page. Check the app’s system requirements and download the version that matches your Mac. If the developer provides a universal version, it may support both Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
Downloading the correct version helps prevent installation failures, compatibility errors, and applications that do not run properly after installation.
Step 2: Download the Software from a Trusted Source
Once you’ve confirmed compatibility, download the software from a trusted source. The safest starting point is generally the official developer’s website. Some developers also distribute their software through reputable software platforms.
Open your browser and navigate to the developer’s website. Find the software’s download page and select the appropriate macOS download option. Depending on the application, you may see options such as Download for Mac, macOS version, or a specific processor architecture.
Before clicking the download button, check the website’s domain and make sure you’re downloading the intended application. Avoid unfamiliar download links, misleading advertisements, and unofficial modified versions of software.
After starting the download, wait for the file to finish downloading. You can usually access it through Finder > Downloads. The downloaded file might have a .dmg, .pkg, or .zip extension.
Do not open files simply because their names look familiar. If you downloaded a ZIP archive, confirm that it came from a reliable source before extracting and opening its contents.
Step 3: Open the Downloaded Installation File
After the download is complete, open Finder > Downloads to locate the installation file. The next step depends on the format of the file you downloaded.
If the file ends in .dmg, double-click it to open the disk image. macOS may display a new window containing the application, an Applications folder shortcut, or installation instructions. If the file ends in .pkg, double-click it to launch the installer.
Some software is distributed as a ZIP file. Double-clicking the ZIP file usually extracts its contents, which may include an application or an installer. If you receive a standalone application file, you may be able to open it directly or move it to your Applications folder.
Pay attention to the instructions shown in the installation window. Developers may use different installation methods, so do not assume every downloaded file works in exactly the same way.
If macOS asks for permission to open the file, review the message before proceeding. A security prompt is a reason to verify the source, not something you should ignore automatically.
Step 4: Install the Application in the Applications Folder
If you opened a DMG file, you may see an application icon alongside an Applications folder shortcut. This is a common installation method for Mac software.
To install the application, open the DMG window and locate the application icon. If the window instructs you to drag the app into Applications, click and hold the application icon, then drag it onto the Applications folder shortcut. Wait for the copying process to finish.
You can also use Finder > Applications to locate the folder directly. If you need to copy the application manually, open a separate Finder window, select the downloaded application, and move or copy it into the Applications folder.
Not every Mac application uses the drag-and-drop method. If you opened a PKG installer, follow the instructions displayed on the screen instead. The installer may ask you to select an installation location, agree to software terms, or enter your administrator password.
After the installation finishes, you can close the installer window. If you opened a DMG file, you can eject the mounted disk image by selecting it in Finder and choosing File > Eject, or by clicking the eject icon next to it in Finder’s sidebar.
Keep the installed application in the Applications folder so you can find it easily later. You can remove the downloaded DMG or ZIP file after confirming that the application has installed successfully, provided you no longer need the installer.
Step 5: Open the Installed Application for the First Time
After installing the software, open Finder > Applications to locate the application. You can also use Command + Space to open Spotlight and search for the app by name.
Double-click the application to launch it. On the first launch, macOS may display a security message indicating that the app was downloaded from the internet or that the developer cannot be verified.
Read the warning carefully. If you recognize the application, downloaded it from a trustworthy source, and have verified that it is the software you intended to install, you can review the available options for opening it.
If macOS blocks the application, do not repeatedly try to bypass the warning without checking the source. An unfamiliar developer, unexpected installer, or suspicious download should be investigated before you proceed.
Some applications also request permissions, such as access to files, folders, the microphone, or other system features. Review these requests and allow only the permissions that are appropriate for the software’s purpose.
Step 6: Approve a Trusted App When macOS Blocks It
Sometimes an application downloaded outside the Mac App Store may be blocked by macOS security settings. This can happen when the system cannot verify the developer, the application is not notarized, or the app has other security concerns.
If you have verified the app’s source and still want to open it, macOS may provide a security approval option.
On supported macOS versions, open Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security. Scroll down to the Security section and look for a message related to the blocked application. If an appropriate Open Anyway option is available, review the warning and confirm your choice.
The exact wording and availability of this option depend on your macOS version and the reason the application was blocked.
Do not change security settings or approve an application simply because you want to install it quickly. If you cannot verify where the software came from, consider downloading it again from the developer’s official website or contacting the developer for guidance.
Important: macOS security protections help reduce the risk of running malicious or tampered software. A warning should be treated as useful information about the application, not merely an obstacle to installation.
Step 7: Complete the Software’s Initial Setup
After the application opens, you may need to complete a setup process. Depending on the software, this could include signing in to an account, accepting a license agreement, selecting preferences, or entering a license key.
Follow the instructions displayed by the application. If it asks you to create an account, use the developer’s legitimate sign-in process. If the application requires a paid license, confirm the pricing and license terms before making a purchase.
Some applications may request additional permissions through System Settings > Privacy & Security. For example, a screen recording tool might need screen recording access, while an audio application might request microphone access.
Review each permission carefully. You can often manage application permissions through the relevant Privacy & Security categories, although certain software may require specific setup instructions from its developer.
Once the setup is complete, test the application’s primary features. Check whether it opens correctly, responds to commands, and performs the task you installed it for.
Update the Application and Remove Unneeded Installation Files
After installing the software, check whether the developer provides a newer version. Some applications include an automatic update feature, while others require you to download updates from the official website.
Use the application’s own update option when available. For example, you may find it under Application Name > Check for Updates in the macOS menu bar. The exact location depends on the software.
Keeping applications updated can provide bug fixes, security improvements, and compatibility enhancements. However, download updates only from trusted sources.
Once you’ve confirmed that the software is working, you can organize your downloaded installation files. Open Finder > Downloads and remove unnecessary DMG, ZIP, or installer files if you no longer need them.
Be careful not to delete the actual installed application from the Applications folder. The downloaded installer and the installed application are separate items.
Additional Tips for Installing Mac Software from Other Sources
Check the Developer’s Requirements
Always review the software’s supported macOS versions and processor requirements before downloading. An application designed for an older macOS release may not work correctly on your system.
Avoid Unofficial Modified Applications
Download software from reliable sources and avoid pirated, cracked, or modified application packages. These files may introduce security risks or cause unexpected system behavior.
Keep Your Mac Updated
Use Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update to check for available macOS updates. Keeping your operating system current can help maintain compatibility with newer applications.
Read Security Warnings Carefully
Do not ignore a security warning without understanding it. If the application cannot be verified or the source is unfamiliar, pause the installation and investigate further.
Keep Track of Installed Applications
Use Finder > Applications to review installed software. If you no longer need an application, check the developer’s uninstall instructions. Some applications include a dedicated uninstaller, while others can be removed by moving the app to the Trash.
FAQs
Can I install software on a Mac without using the Mac App Store?
Yes. You can install compatible software from a developer’s official website or another trusted source. The installation method depends on whether the download is a DMG, PKG, ZIP, or another supported format.
Why does my Mac say the developer cannot be verified?
This warning can appear when macOS cannot verify the application’s developer or security status. Check the software’s source and the developer’s information before deciding whether to proceed. Avoid opening applications that you cannot trust.
Where should I install applications downloaded from the internet?
The Applications folder is a common location for Mac applications. Many DMG files provide an Applications shortcut so you can move the app there during installation.
Can I install a DMG file directly?
A DMG file is generally a disk image rather than the installed application itself. Open the DMG file, review its contents, and follow the developer’s installation instructions. You may need to move the application into the Applications folder.
What should I do if a Mac application won’t open after installation?
First, verify that the application supports your macOS version and Mac hardware. Then check for security warnings, confirm that the application was downloaded from a trusted source, and review the developer’s troubleshooting instructions. You can also check for an updated version of the application.
Is installing software from outside the Mac App Store safe?
The safety of the installation depends on the software, its source, and whether the application has been modified or compromised. Downloading from the official developer’s website, checking security warnings, and keeping macOS updated can help reduce risk. No download source should be assumed to be completely safe.
Bottom Lines
Installing software on a Mac from other sources is a practical way to access applications that may not be available through the Mac App Store. The process usually involves downloading the correct version, opening the installation file, moving the application to the Applications folder when necessary, and completing the initial setup.
For a smooth installation, choose trusted software sources, verify compatibility, and pay attention to macOS security warnings. If an application is blocked, investigate the reason instead of automatically disabling security protections.
Once you understand DMG files, PKG installers, and the Applications folder, installing software from outside the Mac App Store becomes much easier. Take your time with each step, and you’ll be able to manage downloaded Mac applications with greater confidence.