And that’s because DMG files are commonly used to install apps or other software onto your Mac.
We’ll also discuss whether DMG files are safe, so continue reading below.
What Is a DMG File?
Mounting a DMG file is one of the many ways toinstall apps on your Mac.
This makes them the preferred choice for installing software over a physical disc.
Are DMG Extension Files Mac-Specific Only?
However, it is possible toopen DMG files on Windowscomputers as well by using additional third-party software.
You’ll likely only see DMG files when downloading macOS software from the internet.
To use the same program in Windows, you’d need to download the Windows version from the developer.
Why Do you gotta Use a DMG File?
DMG is a prevalent distribution format because it maintains the disk image’s integrity usingchecksums.
A DMG file is also a compressed format, meaning any app inside it is also compressed.
This makes the download size smaller, which makes distribution easier.
How Do You Open a DMG File?
By default, macOS does a good job of opening DMG files.
All you should probably do is double-nudge the DMG file to open it and mount it to your Mac.
Once you do this, you should see the DMG file in Finder’s sidebar as a mounted disk.
You should also see the DMG on your desktop.
Clicking on this should open up the DMG file.
You’ll commonly see the app and a link to yourApplicationsfolder.
Once done, you might launch the app from Spotlight, as you would for any other app.
Are DMG Files Safe?
DMG files are one of the safest methods to install apps outside the App Store.
