How to download apps from the Mac App Store

Posted June 3, 20159 yr

The Mac App Store is one of the safest and most convenient ways to download software to your Mac.

Apple configures the Mac spectacularly well: Your new computer comes with free, pre-installed software that helps you surf the web, create great-looking documents, edit photos and videos, listen to music and more. But there are thousands of additional applications that you can download through the Mac App Store to give your computer even more capabilities. They run the gamut: utilities, productivity tools, games, and everything else imaginable. Thousands of Mac developers offer apps from the Mac App Store, and they're yours for the taking.

Downloading apps from the Mac App Store is secure and safe because the Mac App Store uses your Apple ID. You enter the same credentials you use to sign in to iCloud: That's the username and password you use to check your iCloud email, for example, or to download music, movies, and other content through iTunes. It's also the same password you use to download apps for your iOS devices. Your Apple ID and password are your keys to Apple's realm.

Apps that you download from the Mac App Store are required to be "sandboxed": It's an extra layer of protection that guarantees the thid-party apps you pick up can't disrupt your operating system (or other applications) if something goes wrong. It also keeps Mac App Store apps from being infected with malware or other nefarious code.

Anything you download from the Mac App Store is available for a free re-download. You can go back later and download apps again through the store at no additional charge. That's great if you buy a new Mac and want to install apps you've already purchased, or if you've deleted apps that you'd like to use again.

The Mac App Store additionally makes it easy to check for updates to the apps you've downloaded. It's the way you update and upgrade to any major operating system releases.

How to check for app and OS X updates in the Mac App Store

How to download apps from the Mac App Store

Open the App Store app.
Find an app you want to download. You can look at featured apps, top charting apps, and different app categories by clicking one of the tabs at the top of the Mac App Store window.
Free apps (including many apps that sport in-app purchases instead of a one-time purchase price) will say Get. Apps that cost money to download will list their price instead. Click on either Get or the price to download. If you click on the price, the button will change to green, and it will say Buy App. If you find an app you'd like to download later, or if you've found an app you'd like to tell a friend about or share on your social networks, click on the downward-pointing arrow next to the price tag. You'll find different options for letting friends know, or for marking the app for later download.
You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID (if you're not already signed in) and your password.
The app will begin to download. Once it's downloaded, you should be able to find it in your Applications folder. It will also be visible in the Launchpad app.