DMG
4 synonyms for DMG, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A macOS file that behaves like a disk: opening one makes its contents appear as a mounted drive on the desktop, from which software is usually installed by dragging the application into the Applications folder. Such files normally end in .dmg.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
disk image
Apple Disk Image
mountable image
installer image
How to use DMG
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
DMG file
mount a DMG
open the .dmg
eject the disk image
Technical, specific to Apple systems. Written in capitals, or lower case as the extension .dmg.
Etymology
A shortening of disk image.
Full origin of DMG →Frequently asked questions
How do I install something from a DMG?
Double-clicking the DMG mounts it, which puts a temporary drive icon on the desktop and in Finder's sidebar. Most DMGs then show a window with the application and a shortcut to the Applications folder; dragging the app across copies it to your Mac. Afterwards the mounted image can be ejected and the DMG file deleted.
What is the difference between a DMG and an EXE?
A DMG is a container, not a program: it holds files and presents them as a disk on macOS. An EXE is an actual executable that Windows runs. The closest Windows equivalents to a DMG are an MSI installer or a ZIP file, depending on what the DMG contains.
Can DMG files hold anything besides apps?
Yes. A disk image can contain any files at all, and can be encrypted or made read-only, so DMGs are also used to bundle documents, back up a folder, or hand over a set of files as a single sealed package.
