---
id: mac-storage-basics.can-i-delete-dmg-files-after-installing
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-delete-dmg-files-after-installing
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Finding big files, Downloads and the Trash"
question: "Can I delete .dmg files after installing an app?"
alt_questions:
  - "delete dmg after install mac"
  - "do I need dmg files"
  - "what is a dmg file"
  - "remove disk images from downloads"
  - "is it safe to delete installer dmg"
short_answer: "Yes — once the app is in Applications and the disk image is ejected, the .dmg isn't needed. The same applies to used .pkg installers and unpacked .zip files."
tags: ["dmg", "downloads", "installers"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-big-files-can-i-safely-delete", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-clean-up-my-downloads-folder"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I delete .dmg files after installing an app?

Yes. A .dmg file is just the disk image the app arrived in. Once you've dragged the app into Applications (and ejected the mounted disk image), the .dmg isn't needed to run the app. Delete it, or keep a copy elsewhere if the download is hard to get again.

The same goes for .pkg installers after installation, and .zip files you've already unpacked.