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.pkg

What is a .pkg file?

The standard installer format for macOS.

Use caution
Type System
By Apple
MIME application/x-newton-compatible-pkg

Drop any file to identify it

We read file headers, not extensions. Nothing gets uploaded.

What is it

The standard installer format for macOS. PKG files can install apps, system extensions, drivers, and other components. They run through macOS's installer and support pre/post-install scripts.

Technical details
Full Name
macOS Installer Package
MIME Type
application/x-newton-compatible-pkg
Developer
Apple
Magic Bytes
N/A
Safety
.pkg requires caution. PKG files install software and can run scripts with elevated permissions. Only install from trusted developers.
What opens it
macOS Installer (runs natively)
FREE macOS
Suspicious Package (inspect)
FREE macOS
Related formats
.dmg
Apple Disk Image
.msi
Windows Installer Package