.pkg files
.pkg file
macOS Installer Package
A macOS installer that runs a guided setup, rather than a drag-and-drop app.
What opens a .pkg file
- Windows
- 7-Zip (to inspect contents only)
- macOS
- Installer (built in), Suspicious Package (to inspect first), Pacifist
- Linux
- 7z x (p7zip, to inspect contents only)
What a .pkg file is
A .pkg file is an installer archive that macOS opens with the built-in Installer app, used when software needs to place files in system locations or run scripts. Because it can run scripts as an administrator, only install packages from sources you trust; macOS Gatekeeper will refuse unsigned ones by default. The same extension is used by unrelated things — Solaris packages, PlayStation game bundles, Unreal asset files — so a .pkg that macOS refuses may simply not be a macOS package.
Converting it
A .pkg file is commonly converted to .dmg or .zip. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.
Details
- Extension
- .pkg
- Full name
- macOS Installer Package
- Category
- Programs and installers
- MIME type
- application/vnd.apple.installer+xml
- Created by
- Apple
- Format
- Binary
Common questions
- How do I open a .pkg file?
- On Windows use 7-Zip (to inspect contents only); on macOS use Installer (built in); on Linux use 7z x (p7zip, to inspect contents only). A macOS installer that runs a guided setup, rather than a drag-and-drop app.
- What is a .pkg file?
- macOS Installer Package. A .pkg file is an installer archive that macOS opens with the built-in Installer app, used when software needs to place files in system locations or run scripts. Because it can run scripts as an administrator, only install packages from sources you trust; macOS Gatekeeper will refuse unsigned ones by default.
- Can I convert a .pkg file?
- Yes. It is usually converted to .dmg or .zip, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.
Related pages
- .exe — Windows Executable A Windows program. It runs code, which is why it is also the classic way to get
- .apk — Android Application Package An Android app installer — a zip of code and resources.
- .msi — Windows Installer Package A structured Windows installer that the OS installs and can cleanly uninstall.
- .dll — Dynamic Link Library Shared Windows code that programs load — not something you open or run.
- .sh — Shell Script A text file of Unix shell commands, run by bash, zsh or sh.
- .deb — Debian Software Package The installer format for Debian, Ubuntu and their derivatives.
- .jar — Java Archive A zip of compiled Java classes — a library, or a runnable program.
- .bat — Windows Batch File A plain-text list of Command Prompt commands that runs when you double-click it.
- .ps1 — PowerShell Script A script for Windows PowerShell — Microsoft's modern automation shell.
- .ipa — iOS Application Archive An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channe
- .rpm — RPM Package The installer format for Fedora, Red Hat, openSUSE and their relatives.
- .appimage — AppImage Portable Application A whole Linux application in one file that runs without being installed.
Sources
- Media Types Registry — IANA
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place