Docker Desktop for MAC
Build, run and share containers on your Mac with Docker Engine, Compose and Kubernetes. Free for personal use.
Docker Desktop Overview
Docker Desktop is the official way to run Docker on a Mac. It installs everything you need to build, run and share containers: Docker Engine, the docker command-line tool, Docker Compose for multi-container apps, an optional Kubernetes cluster, and a dashboard to manage your containers, images and volumes. Containers run inside a lightweight virtual machine that Docker Desktop manages for you. Docker Desktop is made by Docker, Inc.
Docker Desktop is free for personal use, education, non-commercial open-source projects and small businesses with fewer than 250 employees and less than $10 million in annual revenue. Larger companies and government bodies need a paid Docker subscription. There are separate downloads for Macs with Apple Silicon and with Intel; Docker supports the current and two previous major versions of macOS, and recommends at least 4 GB of RAM.
Key Features
Docker Desktop brings the whole Docker toolset to your Mac in one install.
- Docker Engine and CLI: run docker commands in Terminal straight after installing.
- Docker Compose: start multi-container apps from a single compose file.
- Dashboard: see and manage containers, images, volumes and builds in one window.
- Kubernetes: turn on a local Kubernetes cluster for testing.
- Docker Hub: pull and push images with your Docker account.
- Extensions: add tools to Docker Desktop from the extensions marketplace.
- Apple Silicon: runs natively on Apple Silicon Macs; Rosetta 2 is recommended for some optional Intel-only tools.
- Automatic updates: keep Docker Desktop and its components current.
What’s New in Version 4.95.0
Docker Desktop 4.95.0 updates its components and fixes several issues.
- Docker Compose 5.6.0 and updated Docker Scout CLI
- New docker desktop auth status command to show your Docker Hub login and plan
- Fixed Docker Desktop on Mac being unable to start subprocesses after a second launch
- Fixed Kubernetes sometimes failing to start after a network timeout
- Fixed the Quit button and slow appearance of the engine error dialog
Docker Desktop FAQ
Is Docker Desktop free?
Docker Desktop is free for personal use, education, non-commercial open-source projects and small businesses with fewer than 250 employees and less than $10 million in annual revenue. Other professional use, and government use, needs a paid Docker subscription.
Which Mac do I need for Docker Desktop?
Docker Desktop has separate downloads for Macs with Apple Silicon and with Intel. It supports the current and two previous major versions of macOS and needs at least 4 GB of RAM.
Do I need Rosetta 2 for Docker Desktop on Apple Silicon?
It is no longer required, but Docker recommends installing it, because a few optional command-line tools still need it. You can install it with softwareupdate --install-rosetta.
What is the difference between Docker Desktop and Docker Engine?
Docker Engine is the part that runs containers. Docker Desktop is the Mac app that installs and manages Docker Engine inside a lightweight virtual machine, together with the docker CLI, Compose, Kubernetes and a dashboard.
Does Docker Desktop include Docker Compose?
Yes. Docker Compose is included, so you can start multi-container apps with docker compose up.
Can I run Kubernetes with Docker Desktop?
Yes. Docker Desktop includes an optional local Kubernetes cluster that you can turn on in its settings.
Do I need a Docker account to use Docker Desktop?
You can run containers without signing in. A Docker account is needed to push images to Docker Hub, and organizations can require their staff to sign in.
How do I fix "Docker.app is damaged" on macOS?
Docker's documentation has a page for exactly this message, Fix "Docker.app is damaged" on macOS, linked from its Mac install guide. Follow the steps there.
How do I update Docker Desktop?
Docker Desktop checks for updates itself and offers to install them. You can also download the latest version from docker.com.
Where does the Docker Desktop download on docker.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to Docker's official Docker Desktop page at https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/. docker.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the installer.
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FULLMAC.app does not host this app. Download buttons lead to the developer’s own pages.