How to Automatically Install Your Favorite macOS App Bundle to Save Time and Effort

Introduction: Why Manual Installation Is Outdated

Every time you reset your Mac or switch to a new one you probably spend hours reinstalling apps from the App Store dragging them into Applications folder and configuring settings·

But what if you could automate all of that? What if setting up your Mac took minutes instead of days? That’s exactly what creating an automatic macOS app bundle can do for you·

In this article we’ll show you how to build your own automated installation workflow so you never have to waste time installing apps manually again·

The Manual Way and Why It’s Slow

Here’s what most people do after getting a new Mac:

• Sign in to the App Store
• Reinstall each app one by one
• Download DMG or PKG files from websites
• Drag apps into the Applications folder
• Launch each app and reconfigure preferences

This process is not only time-consuming but also error-prone· You might forget to install an important tool or end up downloading the wrong version·

Imagine doing this every time you set up a new device or help a friend with theirs· There has to be a better way — and there is·

How to Automate App Installation on macOS

Automating app installation means creating a single script or package that installs all your favorite apps without manual intervention·

You can use tools like Homebrew Cask MAS (Mac App Store command line) or AppleScript to do this· Some users even combine these methods to create a fully customized setup experience·

Here’s why automation makes sense:

• Save hours during setup
• Synchronize all devices: Set up everything across all platforms.
• Eliminate human error
• Install both free and paid apps automatically

Best Tools and Scripts for Automatic App Bundles

There are several powerful tools that make automating app installations easy· Here are the top ones:

For most users combining Homebrew Cask and MAS CLI gives the best balance between flexibility and ease of use·

Step by Step Guide to Create Your Own App Bundle Installer

Follow along as I explain how to make a custom automatic macOS app installer via Homebrew and MAS CLI· This is valid starting from Mojave or later.·

Step 1: Acquire Homebrew

Use Terminal and execute the following command:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Step 2: Get Google Chrome Browser Through Brew Cask

Once Homebrew is installed run:

brew install --cask

Step 3: Install MAS CLI

Run the following command to install MAS CLI:

brew install mas

Step 4: Sign In to the Mac App Store via MAS

Use your Apple ID to sign in:

mas signin your_apple_id@example·com

Step 5: Create a Shell Script with Your Apps

Create a file called install_apps·sh and add your favorite apps like this:

brew install --cask google-chrome
brew install --cask visual-studio-code
brew install --cask iterm2
mas install 497799835 # Xcode
mas install 409183694 # Keynote
    

Step 6: Make the Script Executable

Run this command:

chmod +x install_apps·sh

Step 7: Run the Script

You can either double-click on it or execute it from Terminal:

Advanced Tips for Power Users

If you’re comfortable with scripting here are some pro tips to take your automation further:

• Use GitHub to store your scripts: Version control lets you keep track of changes and share setups easily·
• Add conditionals to avoid duplicates: Use if statements to check if an app is already installed before trying again·
• Include preference files: Automate copying over your saved configs using rsync or ditto·
• Build a bootable installer drive: Combine AutoDMG with your app list to create a full macOS image that includes your apps out of the box·
• Use Munki or Jamf for teams: If you manage multiple Macs look into enterprise management tools·

Security Considerations When Using Automation Scripts

While automation is powerful you should always be careful when running scripts especially those downloaded from the internet·

Here’s how to stay safe:

• Only run scripts from trusted sources: Never execute unknown shell commands blindly·
• Review the code before running: Open any script in a text editor to see what it does·
• Use checksums or hashes: Verify the integrity of scripts and packages before installing·
• Avoid storing passwords in plain text: If you need credentials use secure methods like keychains or encrypted variables·

When you write your own scripts you eliminate most security risks· Just remember to keep your system updated and use admin privileges wisely·

Conclusion: Save Hours Every Time You Setup a New Mac

Setting up a new Mac doesn’t have to be a tedious process· With a little bit of scripting and planning you can turn hours of work into just a few clicks·

Whether you're a developer designer student or IT admin creating your own automatic macOS app bundle will save you time and reduce stress·

So go ahead and start building your own automated installer today· The next time you get a new machine you’ll thank yourself·