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As a new user of OS X I am getting to know how it is to work with it every day and I started noticing things that went unnoticed previously.

One such question is, when I download a file from the Internet, for example the Skype app, I will download a .dmg file on my HDD. I can open it and use the app, however, when I close it and restart the computer, the app won't get installed to my apps as I am used to from Windows. Rather, I have to open up the .dmg every time.

I am sure there is a way to achieve what I want since I've worked with macs in the past and they had these apps in the applications window, so could anyone explain to me what am I doing differently and why is it this way?

I am aware of the fact that after I open the .dmg file, a virtual hard-drive copy gets created and that's why I see the HDD icon on my desktop, but that's about it.

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2 Answers 2

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A lot of applications (bundles) for OS X don't need an installer in contrary to almost all Windows apps. They are distributed inside an .dmg.

To properly "install" them just open the .dmg and copy the app file to /Applications or /Applications/Utilities. A lot of images already contain a soft link to the Applications folder to be more convenient for the user.

enter image description here

If the .dmg contains such a soft link just drop the app on it (like indicated by the grey arrow in the screenshot above).

You have to enter an admin password to start the task if you aren't logged in with a user with admin permissions. You always have to enter an admin password if you copy the file into /Applications/Utilities/.

All subsequent installations (like LaunchDaemons or application support files) are done by the app itself after starting it for the first time.

After copying the app to one of the folders mentioned above, you can unmount the "installer" volume and delete the .dmg file.

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  • I'd say sometimes have to enter an admin password. You wouldn't if it was a simple drag & drop 'install', more likely if there's an actually installation .pkg on the .dmg ... but +1s all round. I'm sure this isn't obvious to someone who's never seen a .dmg before
    – Tetsujin
    Commented Oct 19, 2015 at 12:57
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    @Tetsujin A lot of my clients start using apps like indicated by the OP because it isn't obvious how to "install" them. And usually it works until they delete the .dmg and call me because xyz.app doesn't work/isn't available anymore...
    – klanomath
    Commented Oct 19, 2015 at 13:07
  • Thank you, super useful! Also my name is Lubos and not OP :D
    – Lubos
    Commented Oct 19, 2015 at 19:16
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    @Lubos Menus, We know what your name is and the "OP" is used as shorthand and stands for the Original Post. It can refer to both the content and the author however in this case it appears to be referring to the content, so don't take it personal.
    – user3439894
    Commented Oct 19, 2015 at 20:28
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    @user3439894 I think you have to use LubosMenus instead of Lubos Menus to address an audible/visible inbox message to her/him.
    – klanomath
    Commented Oct 19, 2015 at 20:33
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DMG are disk images which, when used to transport/install applications, can contain one of the following

  • the application (.app) itself: to install, just copy the application into the /Applications folder (admin password required)
  • an installer application (usually identified by its name): to install the application, you can run the installer directly from the DMG
  • a package installer (ending in .pkg): to install, execute the package installer directly from the DMG

In all three cases you don't need the DMG any longer after installation (but may want to keep it for backup purposes).

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