Zero Terminal syntax
Download macOS inside the app, select the resulting installer and choose your USB. Install Disk Creator uses Apple’s own createinstallmedia tool to erase the selected volume and write the installer.
Free macOS utility
Install Disk Creator 2.0
Download macOS. Create your bootable USB. All in one free app.
- A universal Mac app for Apple silicon and Intel
- Built-in downloader fetches macOS directly from Apple
- Search macOS versions, pause and resume downloads — no Terminal needed
Free
no account, no subscription
2015
making installer drives since
5M+
lifetime downloads
Apple’s tool
createinstallmedia does the writing
Why techs rely on Install Disk Creator
Purpose-built for busy labs, repair benches, and power users who need a clean installer every time.
macOS direct from Apple
Open the built-in downloader, search by macOS name, version or build, and click Download. Pause and resume as needed, and include beta releases only when you want them.
Built for real deployments
Install Disk Creator has been making installer drives since 2015 and is updated whenever Apple changes the installer, most recently for the direct downloads in version 2.0.
Before you erase · Free
Back up the Mac before you boot the installer
Before changing macOS, save your files to a separate backup disk and check that you can open them. Mac Backup Guru offers file copies and incremental snapshots you can browse in Finder. Keep your backup separate from the USB installer. The full app is free: no trial, no subscription.
Create a bootable installer in five steps
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1
Connect a 32 GB+ USB drive
Back up anything on the USB drive first: creating the installer erases the selected volume. A faster USB drive or external SSD reduces writing time.
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2
Launch Install Disk Creator
Click Download macOS Installer… to browse Apple’s installers inside the app. Search for the release you need and click Download.
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3
Select your installer
Follow the download-completion prompt, including Assemble Installer if offered. Then select the resulting installer app in the main window. You can also choose one you already have.
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4
Pick the target drive
createinstallmedia erases the drive and writes the installer. The result boots on Intel and Apple silicon Macs, for whichever of them that macOS version supports.
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5
Boot & install
Shut down, connect the USB directly, then hold Power on Apple silicon (or Option as you turn on an Intel Mac). Keep an internet connection available for installation.
Download and writing time depend on your connection, installer size and drive speed. Follow the full setup guide for preparation, boot instructions and troubleshooting.
Frequently asked
Which macOS versions are supported?
Install Disk Creator uses full macOS installer apps and can download available releases from Apple’s catalog. For macOS 27 Golden Gate, choose the public release when it appears in the app, or select a full installer downloaded from Apple. Installer availability and the Macs supported vary by release; check Apple’s requirements before creating your USB.
Is the app compatible with Apple silicon?
Yes. Install Disk Creator is a universal binary for Apple silicon and Intel. The macOS installer you choose must also support the destination Mac. macOS 27 Golden Gate requires Apple silicon; Intel Macs need an older compatible release, such as Tahoe on supported models.
Do I need to disable security or use Terminal?
You do not need Terminal. Install Disk Creator uses Apple's createinstallmedia tool and asks for administrator authorization to erase and write the selected volume. On Intel Macs with a T2 chip, you may need to allow external boot in Startup Security Utility before starting from the USB.
Can I keep multiple installers on one drive?
For the simplest setup, use a separate USB drive for each installer. Creating an installer erases the selected volume. Keep backups and any files you need on a different physical disk.
New · Free
Turbo Whisper: free on-device dictation for Mac
Press a global shortcut, speak, and paste the result into the Mac app you were already using. Turbo Whisper lives in the menu bar and performs speech recognition on your Mac after its selected model has downloaded.
Need help or want to say thanks?
Install Disk Creator is maintained by the same one-person studio behind Mac Backup Guru and Turbo Whisper. Reach out any time—bug reports, feature requests, or success stories all help keep the app sharp.