---
title: ".pkg file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .pkg file is a macOS Installer Package. A macOS installer that runs a guided setup, rather than a drag-and-drop app. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/pkg/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .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](https://atoneplace.net/file/exe/)
- [.apk — Android Application Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/apk/)
- [.msi — Windows Installer Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/msi/)
- [.dll — Dynamic Link Library](https://atoneplace.net/file/dll/)
- [.sh — Shell Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/sh/)
- [.deb — Debian Software Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/deb/)
- [.jar — Java Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/jar/)
- [.bat — Windows Batch File](https://atoneplace.net/file/bat/)
- [.ps1 — PowerShell Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/ps1/)
- [.ipa — iOS Application Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/ipa/)
- [.rpm — RPM Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/rpm/)
- [.appimage — AppImage Portable Application](https://atoneplace.net/file/appimage/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)