Postgres.app for MAC
Free, open-source way to run PostgreSQL on a Mac: a full PostgreSQL server with PostGIS in a normal Mac app, with a menu bar item.
Postgres.app Overview
Postgres.app is a full-featured PostgreSQL installation packaged as a standard Mac app. Download it, move it to the Applications folder, double-click and click Initialize, and you have a PostgreSQL server running on your Mac. A simple interface and a menu bar item let you start and stop servers, and you never need to touch the command line, although all the usual command-line tools and header files are included for advanced users.
Postgres.app includes PostgreSQL with the PostGIS extension for geographic data, plus extensions such as pgvector, pgrouting, wal2json and pldebugger. A separate download includes every currently supported PostgreSQL version, from 14 to 18, so you can run several versions side by side, and the app can install minor updates automatically. Postgres.app is free and open source under the PostgreSQL license. Version 2.9.6 comes with PostgreSQL 18.6 and PostGIS 3.6.3, is a universal app for Apple Silicon and Intel and needs macOS 10.15 or later.
Key Features
Postgres.app is the easiest way to run PostgreSQL on a Mac.
- Full PostgreSQL server: packaged as a normal Mac app.
- No command line needed: start and stop servers with a click.
- Menu bar item: see and control your servers.
- PostGIS included: geographic data out of the box.
- Extensions: pgvector, pgrouting, wal2json and pldebugger.
- Several versions: run PostgreSQL 14 to 18 side by side.
- Automatic minor updates: get fixes as soon as possible.
- Command-line tools: psql and the rest for advanced users.
What’s New in Version 2.9.6
Postgres.app 2.9.6 brings the latest quarterly PostgreSQL fixes.
- PostgreSQL 18.6, 17.11, 16.15, 15.19 and 14.24 with bug and security fixes
- Includes PostGIS 3.6.3 with PostgreSQL 18
- pgvector updated to 0.8.6; run ALTER EXTENSION vector UPDATE in databases that use it
- Users of the bundled wal2json must set the new output_plugin_libraries setting
Postgres.app FAQ
Is Postgres.app free?
Yes. Postgres.app is free and open source under the PostgreSQL license.
Which macOS version does Postgres.app need?
Postgres.app 2.9.6 needs macOS 10.15 or later.
Does Postgres.app run on Apple Silicon?
Yes. It is a universal app for Apple Silicon and Intel.
Which PostgreSQL version is included?
The main download includes PostgreSQL 18.6 with PostGIS 3.6.3.
Can I run several PostgreSQL versions?
Yes. A separate download includes PostgreSQL 14 to 18, and you can run several versions side by side.
How do I connect to the server?
By default the server runs on localhost, port 5432, with your Mac user name and no password. Double-click a database to open psql.
Do I need the command line?
No. You can start and stop servers from the app and its menu bar item, but the command-line tools are included if you want them.
Which extensions are included?
PostGIS, pgvector, pgrouting, wal2json and pldebugger, among others.
Can I install Postgres.app with Homebrew?
Yes. Run brew install --cask postgres-app.
Where does the Postgres.app download on postgres-app.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official Postgres.app downloads page at https://postgresapp.com/downloads.html. postgres-app.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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FULLMAC.app does not host this app. Download buttons lead to the developer’s own pages.