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CLI Open source 64,961 installs/mo

docker for Mac

Pack, ship and run any application as a lightweight container

Quick answer: docker is a DevOps tool for macOS. Install it with brew install docker. It is distributed under the Apache-2.0 licence. It has 64,961 Homebrew installs in the last 30 days.

What docker is

docker is a DevOps tool for macOS: pack, ship and run any application as a lightweight container.

It is distributed as a Homebrew formula, which builds or pours a binary and puts it on your PATH. It is distributed under the Apache-2.0 licence.

How to install docker

  1. Open Terminal (press ⌘ + Space and type “Terminal”).
  2. If Homebrew is not installed yet, run the installer below once.
  3. Run brew install docker.

Homebrew installer, if you need it:

Prefer a graphical installer? Download it from the official site. MacPicks never hosts or mirrors binaries — the Homebrew command always pulls from the vendor's own release.

Alternatives to docker

Compared within the same category and with a comparable install base, so the list stays useful rather than turning into a popularity chart.

OrbStackReplacement for Docker DesktopApp20,787/moMicrosoft Visual Studio CodeOpen-source code editorApp36,536/moPostmanCollaboration platform for API developmentApp9,104/moZedMultiplayer code editorAppOpen source8,832/moBrunoOpen source IDE for exploring and testing APIsAppOpen source4,776/moTowerGit client focusing on power and productivityApp104/mo

Compare docker with its alternatives in detail →

Frequently asked questions

How do I install docker on Mac?

Run brew install docker in Terminal. This requires Homebrew; if you do not have it, install it first with the command below.

Is docker open source?

Yes — Homebrew distributes it under the Apache-2.0 licence.

Does docker run on Apple silicon?

Homebrew publishes this formula for macOS. If upstream does not ship an Apple silicon build, Rosetta 2 handles the Intel binary.

How popular is docker?

It was installed 64,961 times in the last 30 days according to Homebrew analytics, ranking #16 in this catalogue.

What version of docker is current?

The latest packaged version is 29.9.2.