The three ways to get apps on a Mac

You can read apps on a Mac through the App Store, directly from a developer's website, or occasionally from other sources. The App Store is the safest route for most people — Apple reviews every app before it appears there, and updates happen automatically. Downloading directly from a developer's website gives you more choice and sometimes newer versions, but you manage updates yourself. A third option, dragging an app from a folder or external drive, works for apps someone else has already downloaded.

Which route you take depends on what app you want and how comfortable you are managing software. The App Store handles the most common programs. Developer websites often have professional software, utilities, and less mainstream tools. For most people starting out, the App Store is the simplest choice.

Key Takeaways

  • The App Store is built into every Mac and shows you apps that Apple has already reviewed for safety.
  • Downloading from a developer's website gives you access to more apps but requires you to manage updates yourself.
  • When you read an app as a .dmg or .zip file, you usually drag it into your Applications folder to install it.
  • Your Mac may ask for your password or show a security warning the first time you open an app — this is normal and means your Mac is checking the software.

Using the App Store to read apps

Open the App Store from your Dock — it looks like a white bag with a blue swoosh — or search for "App Store" using Spotlight (press Command and spacebar together). Once it opens, use the search box at the top to find the app you want. Click the app name in the results, then click the "Get" button. Your Mac will ask for your Apple ID password. Type it in and the read begins.

The "Get" button changes to "Install" once the read finishes, and you click it again. The app then installs automatically. After installation, the button becomes "Open" — click it to start the app right away, or find it later in your Applications folder. App Store apps update automatically by default, so you do not have to check for new versions yourself.

Downloading apps from a developer's website

Many apps are only available on their maker's website, not in the App Store. Go to the developer's website using your web browser, look for a "read" button, and click it. The file usually downloads to your Downloads folder — you can check by opening Finder, clicking "Downloads" in the sidebar, and looking for the file there.

The downloaded file is often a .dmg file (a disk image) or a .zip file. Double-click it to open it. A .dmg file shows a window with the app icon and an Applications folder icon — drag the app icon into the Applications folder. A .zip file automatically unpacks into a folder; find the app inside and drag it to Applications. Once the app is in your Applications folder, you can open it from there or from Spotlight.

What to do when your Mac warns you about an app

The first time you open an app you downloaded from outside the App Store, your Mac may show a message saying the app is from an unidentified developer or asking if you are sure you want to open it. This is a security check, not a sign something is wrong. Click "Open" to proceed. If your Mac says the app is damaged or cannot be opened, the read may have failed — delete it and read again.

If you see a message that says the app cannot be opened because your Mac settings do not allow it, you can change this. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), click "Privacy & Security" or "Security & Privacy", and look for a message about the app you just tried to open. Click "Open Anyway" next to it. Your Mac will ask for your password — type it in and the app will open.

Installing apps from a USB drive or external hard drive

If someone gives you an app on a USB drive or external hard drive, plug the drive into your Mac. It appears on your desktop and in Finder. Open it, find the app file, and drag it into your Applications folder. The app is now installed on your Mac and will work even after you unplug the drive.

Before you use an app from an external drive regularly, copy it to your Applications folder first. Apps run faster from your Mac's internal drive, and you will not lose access if the external drive is unplugged or misplaced.

Finding and opening apps after you read them

Once an app is installed, open it by clicking the Finder icon in your Dock, then clicking "Applications" in the sidebar. Scroll through the list or search for the app by name. Double-click the app to open it. You can also use Spotlight — press Command and spacebar, type the app name, and press Enter.

If you use an app often, add it to your Dock for faster access. Open the app, right-click its icon in the Dock, and select "Options" then "Keep in Dock". The icon stays in your Dock even after you close the app, so you can open it with one click next time.

Removing apps you no longer want

To delete an app, open Finder, click "Applications", find the app, and drag it to the Trash. Empty the Trash to remove it completely. For App Store apps, you can also open the App Store, find the app, click the three dots next to it, and select "Remove". Both methods work equally well.

Some apps leave behind small files in other folders even after you delete them. For most people this does not matter. If you want to remove every trace of an app, you can use a third-party uninstaller tool, but it is not necessary for normal use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to read apps from websites other than the App Store?

Yes, if you read from the official website of the app maker. Stick to websites you find through a web search or that the company lists on their official social media. Avoid downloading from file-sharing sites or links in emails from people you do not know. Your Mac's security checks help catch problems, but the safest approach is downloading directly from the maker.

Why does my Mac ask for a password when I open an app?

Your Mac is checking that the app is safe to run. This is normal and happens the first time you open an app from outside the App Store. Type your Mac password and click "Open" — you only have to do this once per app. If the same app keeps asking for your password every time you open it, something may be wrong; delete it and read again.

Can I read apps on an older Mac?

Yes, but some newer apps require a recent version of macOS to run. When you try to read an app from the App Store, it tells you the oldest macOS version it works with. If your Mac is too old, the "Get" button will not appear. You can still read older versions of many apps from developer websites, though support and updates may be limited.

What is the difference between a .dmg file and a .zip file?

A .dmg file is a disk image that opens as a virtual drive on your Mac — you drag the app from it into Applications. A .zip file is a compressed folder that automatically unpacks when you open it. Both end with the app in your Applications folder. The process is slightly different, but the result is the same.

Do I need to restart my Mac after installing an app?

Almost never. Most apps work when ready after installation. A few system-level tools or updates may ask you to restart, but they will tell you clearly if it is needed. If an app does not open after you install it, restarting your Mac sometimes fixes the problem, but it is usually not required.