The Definitive Guide to Installing Downloaded Mac Apps

Macs make many things easy to do right out of the box and they come preloaded with a lot of great software.  However, you may want an application that is not included with your Mac.  You then have the option of buying and installing a program from a CD or downloading from the good ol' internet.  Today we will cover the journey of a program from the internet to your Mac's Dock.

Some new users are understandably confused when it comes to installing downloaded applications.  Many people run the program from the downloaded disk image every time they want to run the application.  This can lead to problems because once the mounted disk image (your new program) is ejected, you will no longer be able to access that application.  It is similar to having to insert a CD every time you want to listen to a song versus copying it over to your hard drive.

There are two basic ways to install a downloaded application. For both, the program can be packaged in several different file types. Some common ones include Disk Image(.dmg), Package(.pkg), Zip compressed(.zip), and Stuffit compressed(.sit).  Mac OS X can handle the first three file types without any additional software. The .sit compressed file type will need a program called Stuffit Expander available free online.

Once the file has downloaded to the location specified by the web browser, usually the desktop by default, it will show up as an icon with a picture of a hard drive on it.  Double click the icon and the disk image will mount and open a new window.  A disk image is similar to loading a CD in a CD drive. 

In the first option, this window includes the application and as well as any "read me" files which may include any installation instructions or last minute changes to the program. For these programs that simply show the program icon, you drag the program icon over to the Applications folder in the Sidebar or in another open window. Sometimes smart developers even include a shortcut to your Applications folder right in the window, such as the Firefox example. This may take a few seconds as the program moves over to its new home.

In the second option, the downloaded applications will come with an installer program (e.g.  iTunes). It looks like a box with some yellow cubes in it. The installer program is very similar to the way programs are installed on a PC.  Double clicking the package icon will install all components of the downloaded program. This process is done for more complex programs which need to store files in different places.

The next step will help reduce clutter on your desktop.  Drag the disk image and original downloaded file to the trash.  The mounted disk image will eject just like a CD.  That's it – You're done!  Now the program is installed in the Applications folder and ready to use.

Now, if you want to add the new application icon to the Dock, find it in the Applications folder and drag it down to the dock for quick access.

Did this guide help you understand what to do with downloaded programs? Share your opinions and tips in the Comments section below.

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Your Comments:

lia, you may want to pose that questions in the forums.
make sure to mention what software you downloaded (incl. version)

 Pirco
 01/23/2008  at  12:27 PM

Hi i found this very helpful. Thanks a lot. I'll be back for more!

 wildwolf
 04/17/2008  at  11:57 AM

So I installed Google Earth, and I did everything you said above. But when I click on the Google Earth logo nothing happens. I can't seem to invoke programs after I install them

 Bill Eisenhood
 12/02/2008  at  05:35 PM

I could not find this information ANYWHERE until I happened to see it here. I've only had a Dell laptop for six years, and wanted to try something really new.
But the installing procedures, .dmg and so forth were a big puzzle.
I used your info to download and install NeoOffice, which I also wouldn't have known about without you.
Thanks so much.

 Jerry R
 01/15/2009  at  01:13 PM

I have a downloaded dmg file. Once I copy it into the Applications folder, I then delete the installer folder off my Desktop. However, when I run the program, it can't find it's read me, documentation and other support files, but otherwise works. "Could not open URL file:/Applications/doc/freemind.mm." I feel like I'm not really getting the FULL "installation" by dragging/copying just the application file/icon. *What am I doing wrong?* FYI the program is FreeMind if that helps. Appreciate your site, thanks!

 Ginette
 02/02/2009  at  10:12 AM

Ginette, with most programs, you just need to drag the app. Some exceptions should be noted by the company in the readme note. You may need to download again and copy those other files too. usually it's the result of poor app management.

 Chris Kerins
 02/02/2009  at  10:27 AM

Ok - thanks! I will check out their read me to see what it says. Appreciate the help. Great site - very helpful for us PC savvy people who are lost in the Mac world. I will definitely be back to read more soon. Cheers!

 Ginette
 02/03/2009  at  12:39 PM

I've been looking for such stuff for quite some time, i am hopefully getting My First Mac soon :D
and Installing programs was my biggest question mark!!
thank you for this

 Sulieman
 08/01/2009  at  09:44 AM

OK, so maybe I'm dense, but what do you mean when you say "The next step will help reduce clutter on your desktop. Drag the disk image and original downloaded file to the trash." ? Do you mean I can throw away the little cardboard box icon thingie (.pkg)? Is that the "downloaded file"?

ALSO!! Just now, as I am trying to learn how to port all my stuff over from a 2006 Tiger MBP to a new 2012 Lion MBP, I found an entire folder chock full of little .pkg boxes in "Macintosh HD>Library>Receipts." I did not put them there myself, and have never dared touch anything in "Library" for fear of messing something up. CAN THESE ALL BE DELETED ALSO?

RSVP, and thank you for your nice little site. Even after this much time, there's still a lot that doesn't make sense unless I get a simple explanation in plain English.

 Joanne
 04/23/2012  at  06:53 AM

Joanne, once the app is installed, you can throw away the package (box). As for the receipts, I suggest leaving them, at least the new ones on your Lion install. They don't take up much space I'm guessing they are references if your app needs to know where it came from.

 Chris Kerins
 04/23/2012  at  09:16 AM

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