Topics Map > OS and Desktop Applications > Operating Systems > Mac OS X
This document describes how to enable installation of applications from sources other than the Mac App Store on macOS.
Background:
By default, Mac OS only allows users to install applications from 'verified sources.' In effect, this means that users are unable to install most applications downloaded from the internet or stored on physical media without receiving the error message below:
Homebrew, iTerm2, and Visual Studio Code are probably your best bets out of the 31 options considered. 'Quick access to a large repository of open source software' is the primary reason people pick Homebrew over the competition. This page is powered by a knowledgeable community that helps you make an informed decision. An application developer creates or writes programs for a particular operating system (i.e, Windows, Mac OS X or UNIX), the web or a device. These professionals usually possess a bachelor's degree and knowledge of programming languages. Read on to learn more about application developer job duties, education requirements and career prospects. Outside the Mac App Store. While the Mac App Store is the safest place for users to get software for their Mac, you may choose to distribute your Mac apps in other ways. Gatekeeper on macOS helps protect users from downloading and installing malicious software by checking for a Developer ID certificate.
Users can follow the directions below to prevent this error message from appearing in one of two ways:
- Changing Gatekeeper's settings (10.8.x / 10.9.x / 10.10.x / 10.11.x)—this is useful for users who download a lot of programs that are not from 'verified sources.'
- Changing Gatekeeper's settings (10.12.x / 10.13.x)—the same steps as above, but for Mac's Sierra and High Sierra OS
- Manually allowing individual applications to launch—this is the best method for users who do not want to change the global setting to allow all applications to run.
For more information about this message, please visit Apple's KB article on the topic: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5290.
Change Gatekeeper Settings (10.8.x / 10.9.x / 10.10.x / 10.11.x):
- Open the System Preferences. This can be done by either clicking on the System Preferences icon in the Dock or by going to Apple Menu > System Preferences.
- Open the Security & Privacy pane by clicking Security & Privacy.
- Make sure that the General tab is selected. Click the icon labeled Click the lock to make changes.
- Enter your username and password into the prompt that appears and click Unlock.
- Under the section labeled Allow applications downloaded from:, select Anywhere. On the prompt that appears, click Allow From Anywhere.Note: In Max OSX 10.12 Sierra and 10.13 High Sierra, the 'Anywhere' option does not appear. In these cases you will need to follow the instructions below for manually launching the application
- Exit System Preferences by clicking the red button in the upper left of the window. You should now be able to install applications downloaded from the internet.
To Manually Launch Application:
- While holding down the control key on your keyboard, click the application's icon once to make a dropdown menu appear.
- Select Open from the menu. A new window will appear.
- Click Open in that window to launch the application. You should only need to do this once per application, on the first launch. After that, you'll be able to launch the application any way you like.
Change Gatekeeper Settings (10.12.x / 10.13.x):
- For OSX Sierra, we recommend consulting Apple's documentation at the following link: macOS Sierra: Open an app from an unidentified developer
![Application developer for mac os x 10.10 Application developer for mac os x 10.10](/uploads/1/1/9/4/119471424/579043078.jpg)
Learn how the Mac App Store beautifully showcases your apps and makes them even easier to find, and how Developer ID and notarization make it safer for users to install apps that you distribute yourself.
![Application Application](/uploads/1/1/9/4/119471424/470413070.jpg)
Mac App Store
The Mac App Store makes it simple for customers to discover, purchase, and download your apps, and easily keep them updated. The Mac App Store on macOS Mojave and later offers editorial content that inspires and informs. Organized around the specific things customers love to do on Mac, along with insightful stories, curated collections, and videos, the Mac App Store beautifully showcases your apps and makes them even easier to find.
Outside the Mac App Store
While the Mac App Store is the safest place for users to get software for their Mac, you may choose to distribute your Mac apps in other ways. Gatekeeper on macOS helps protect users from downloading and installing malicious software by checking for a Developer ID certificate. Make sure to test your apps with the macOS 10.15 SDK and sign your apps, plug-ins, or installer packages to let Gatekeeper know they’re safe to install.
You can also give users even more confidence in your apps by submitting them to Apple to be notarized.
Mac Logo
The Mac logo is designed to easily identify software products and hardware peripherals developed to run on macOS and take advantage of its advanced features.
Application Developer For Mac Os X64
Mac App Store | Outside Mac App Store | |
---|---|---|
App Distribution | Hosted by Apple | Managed by developer (with Developer ID) |
Software Updates | Hosted by Apple | Managed by developer |
Worldwide Payment Processing | Managed by Apple | Managed by developer |
Volume Purchasing and Education Pricing | Managed by Apple | Managed by developer |
Advanced App Capabilities (iCloud Storage and Push Notifications) | Available | Available |
App Store Services (In-App Purchase and Game Center) | Available | Not Available |
64-Bit | Required | Recommended |
App Sandboxing | Required | Recommended |