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DMG - Mac OS X Disk Image

What is a DMG file

The DMG file extension was created by Apple and is primarily used on Macintosh computers and devices. In most cases the DMG file is used to give the Mac devices the ability to install different types of files and software that originate from the internet. The DMG file is essentially a mountable disc image that shows up on your desktop when it is opened. The file contains raw data that is usually both encrypted and compressed. Mac systems treat DMG in the same way they would treat a disc that was inserted and they instantly try to open or “run” the file.

The DMG file extension was specifically designed for Macintosh computers and users are likely to have a lot of trouble if trying to use them on a Windows device. There may be instances where one can convert the files, but it probably needed to look for additional utilities that will allow the file to be accessed from the chosen device. There are some also executable files that can help with this. However, if the original DMG file was password protected by Apple, those executable applications may not work. The DMG file has several different formats that are used and these include Linux, Fat32, UFS, ProDOS, HFS and HFS+.

Here's a small, but not exhaustive list of programs that can open DMG documents:

  • Power Archiver
  • 7-zip
  • Iso Bit Zipper
About
Extension DMG
MIME type application/x-apple-diskimage
Useful links