If you’re a Mac user, you’ve probably come across files having a.dmgextension. Whether you’re trying to install an app, update drivers, or simply trying to access shared files/folders, you might have downloaded a DMG file.
These files are primarily designed forMacintosh computersand are standard file formats mainly used for software distribution. However, you may still open a DMG file on any other operating system using the right third-party utility.
Let’s understand more about the DMG file in detail.
DMG (Disk Image) is a file format meant for Macintosh computers that act as containers consisting of different types of files and folders. It’s a virtual disk image file that can bemounted just like any other CD/DVD driveon macOS. Without a doubt, it has become the preferred choice over physical discs.
In the earlier days, Apple incorporatedDisk Copy 4.2andDARTformats for floppy disk images which were managed by the Disk Copy utility. Later, users started utilizingNew Disk Image Format (NDIF)format having.imgand.smifile extensions up until Mac OS 9.
Today,Universal Disk Image Format (UDIF)having the.dmgfile extension is preferred over the older formats. Apple and other trusted manufacturers have followed this standard to distribute software packages, installation guides, support files, disk images, and different kinds of documentation.
DMG files can be both encrypted/unencrypted andact like compressed file. Many even compare it withzipped fileson Windows, but that’s not what it actually is. But it doesresemble the ISO filesand works somewhat similarly.
Most of us download our applications from the App Store. But what about third-party programs that are unavailable there? In that case, most manufacturers happen to share a DMG file on their official website. you may navigate to their site to download it.
Once that’s done, you may now open and run it without any hassle. In fact, certain apps do not even have an installation wizard—you straight away drag them to the Applications folder, and it becomes ready to use!
How to Open DMG File on Mac?
As mentioned earlier, DMG files are primarily used in Macintosh computers. They were introduced with the macOS X version, which is also why you may call themMacOS X disk image files.
Just like running an extension file on Windows, you may double-select the DMG file or drag and drop the file inside to set up the packaged application. However, they are not just limited to software installation.
Sometimes, these files come with additional information (images and documentation). In such a scenario, you may open it to check what’s inside.
Let’s understand this with a simple demonstration. As per the below steps, I’ll run a DMG file and install an application using the drag-and-drop technique:
Additional Tip:you may even access the DMG file from your Mac’s terminal. Just navigate to the directory using the cd command. Then, execute the hdiutil attach <dmg_filename>.
