How to Open DMG Files

DMGs are compressed disk image files used to install applications on a Mac

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: December 2, 2023 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to open a DMG file on a Mac. Since DMG files are used predominately to install applications on Macs, you cannot properly open DMG files on Windows computers.

Things You Should Know

This cannot be done on Windows.
Install DMG files by dragging them from the "Downloads" folder to your "Applications" folder on Mac.
Only install DMG files from sources you trust since DMG files can contain malicious software or viruses.

Steps

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1
Double-click the DMG file. This will cause your Mac to attempt to open it, resulting in a pop-up message that says "[Name] can't be opened because it was not downloaded from the App Store."
- If you don't see this window pop up, skip to the "Review the DMG's contents" step near the end of the section.
- Since DMG files are typically downloaded, you'll usually find them in the "Downloads" folder in the Finder.
Doing so closes the window.

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Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
It's near the top of the drop-down menu. Doing so opens the System Preferences window.
It's near the top of the System Preferences window.
You'll find this in the bottom-left corner of the window. Doing so prompts a pop-up window.
Do this in the pop-up window. Entering your password will allow you to edit items on this page.
This option is to the right of the DMG file's name at the bottom of the page.
This will open your DMG file, allowing you to view its contents and continue with the installation.
10
Review the DMG's contents. Most of the time, you'll use DMG files to install an app. However, some DMG files contain images or text files as well.
- Anything ending in .app is an installable app.
- You'll most likely see an "Applications" icon in the DMG window. This is a shortcut to your Mac's Applications folder.
11
Install the DMG's app. Locate the icon for the app you're trying to install (e.g., Firefox), then click and drag the icon onto the "Applications" icon in the window. This will prompt the DMG file's app to begin installing; once it completes, you'll be able to find it in the Launchpad menu.
- Depending on the application you're trying to install, you may have to click through additional options before the app installs.

Community Q&A

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Question

I downloaded it and I have the DMG extractor, but it is telling me "The specified file is not recognized as DMG format" - is there is any solution? What can I do?

Community Answer

Extract the file using 7-Zip. Right click on the DMG file and select "Open with 7-Zip." Select "Open archive." Give the path and extract the file.

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Tips

Double-clicking a DMG file on a Windows computer will prompt you to select a program with which to open the file. Unless you have a third-party tool like 7-Zip or DMG Extractor installed on your computer, you won't be able to open the DMG file.

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If this method doesn't work, you can also go to Disk Utility > Add Disk Image.

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Warnings

Be careful about installing unsigned software on your Mac. As with any software that doesn't come from the App Store, unsigned software carries risk of infection.

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