Download Best Docker Cli Mac May 2026

: Open the .dmg file and drag the Docker icon to your Applications folder.

Important: The CLI alone cannot run containers. You still need a background engine like Colima (see below). 3. The Lightweight Way: CLI + Colima download docker cli mac

Extract the archive and move the docker binary to /usr/local/bin/ to make it accessible system-wide. Choosing the Right Path Docker Desktop Homebrew / Colima High (GUI included) Medium (CLI only) Resources Heavy (High RAM/CPU) Lightweight Licensing Paid for large orgs Setup Speed Fast download Fast command-line : Open the

: Your standard docker commands will now work exactly as they would with Docker Desktop. 4. The Advanced Way: Static Binaries a graphical user interface (GUI)

For most users, downloading Docker Desktop is the easiest method. It includes the Docker CLI, Docker Compose, a graphical user interface (GUI), and a built-in Linux virtual machine required to run containers on macOS.

Many developers prefer avoiding the heavy resource usage of Docker Desktop by using Colima . This setup is completely free for commercial use and offers a more CLI-centric experience. : brew install colima docker docker-compose Use code with caution. Start the engine : colima start Use code with caution.

To ensure your installation was successful, try running the "Hello World" test container: Install Docker Desktop on Mac