Guide

Is it safe to delete .dmg and .pkg files after installing?

Yes, in most cases. When it is safe to delete .dmg disk images and .pkg installers on a Mac, the few worth keeping, and how to find them all.

Updated October 13, 2026 4 min read

Yes, in almost every case. A .dmg file is a disk image, a container an app is delivered in, and a .pkg file is an installer. Once the app is installed, neither is needed, and together they often take gigabytes in your Downloads folder. Here is when to delete them, the few worth keeping, and how to find them all.

Deleting .dmg files

Make sure the app is in your Applications folder and opens from there. If you run an app straight from the mounted disk image, it isn't installed yet: drag it into Applications first.
Eject the disk image: click the eject button next to it in the Finder sidebar.
Move the .dmg file to the Trash and empty it.

Deleting .pkg installers

A .pkg file installs software and is done. After the installer reports that it finished, move it to the Trash. Deleting the .pkg doesn't uninstall anything.

When to keep an installer

Software you can't download again, such as an app you bought from a developer that no longer sells it.
Installers you need offline, for example to set up Macs without internet access.
A specific older version you rely on for compatibility.

Keep those on an external drive or in cloud storage rather than on your Mac's internal disk.

Other installers that take a lot of space

Install macOS apps in Applications, left over after an upgrade, often 12 GB or more.
Xcode archives (.xip) once Xcode is expanded and installed.
Old iPhone and iPad software updates that Finder downloaded. Finder downloads them again when needed.

How to find every installer on your Mac

Open a Finder window and press Command F.
Choose This Mac, set the first menu to Kind and choose Other, then type Disk Image.
Repeat with Installer package to find .pkg files.
Sort the results by size and delete what you no longer need.

Find installers in one scan with Roomy

Roomy lists .dmg, .pkg, .mpkg and .xip installers in its User Files category, together with old downloads. Because they belong to you, installers and old downloads are never selected automatically, and anything you choose goes to the Trash so you can change your mind. See what Roomy removes.

Frequently asked questions

Will deleting a .dmg file uninstall the app?

No. Once you have dragged the app into the Applications folder, the app is a separate copy. The .dmg is only the package it came in, so deleting it doesn't affect the installed app.

Can I delete a .pkg file after installing?

Yes. A .pkg installer is only needed while it runs. Once the installation is complete, the .pkg can go to the Trash. Keep it only if you may need to reinstall without internet access.

Can I delete the “Install macOS” app?

Yes, after the upgrade has finished, unless you want to keep it to create a bootable USB installer. It can be 12 GB or more, and you can download it again from Apple whenever you need it.