Are you looking to install or reinstall Mac OS on your computer, but don’t have a bootable USB drive? Look no further. In this article, we will explore the best app to use to create a Mac OS bootable USB drive. We will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to use the app to create a bootable USB drive.
What is a Bootable USB Drive?
A bootable USB drive is a USB drive that contains a bootable operating system, in this case, Mac OS. This allows you to install or reinstall Mac OS on your computer without the need for a CD or DVD. Bootable USB drives are convenient and easy to use, making them a popular choice for installing operating systems.
Why Do You Need a Bootable USB Drive?
There are several reasons why you may need a bootable USB drive:
- You want to install Mac OS on a new computer.
- You want to reinstall Mac OS on your current computer.
- You want to create a backup of your operating system.
- You want to test out a new version of Mac OS before installing it on your computer.
What App is Used to Make Mac OS Bootable USB?
There are several apps available that can be used to create a Mac OS bootable USB drive. Some of the most popular apps include:
- DiskMaker X: This is a free app that allows you to create a bootable USB drive from a Mac OS installer.
- TransMac: This is a paid app that allows you to create a bootable USB drive from a Mac OS installer.
- Etcher: This is a free, open-source app that allows you to create a bootable USB drive from a Mac OS installer.
How to Use DiskMaker X to Create a Bootable USB Drive
DiskMaker X is a popular app for creating bootable USB drives. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install DiskMaker X from the official website.
- Launch DiskMaker X and select the Mac OS installer that you want to use to create the bootable USB drive.
- Select the USB drive that you want to use to create the bootable USB drive.
- Click “Create” to start the process of creating the bootable USB drive.
Requirements for Using DiskMaker X
- A Mac computer with Mac OS 10.9 or later.
- A USB drive with at least 8GB of free space.
- A Mac OS installer.
How to Use TransMac to Create a Bootable USB Drive
TransMac is another popular app for creating bootable USB drives. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install TransMac from the official website.
- Launch TransMac and select the Mac OS installer that you want to use to create the bootable USB drive.
- Select the USB drive that you want to use to create the bootable USB drive.
- Click “Create” to start the process of creating the bootable USB drive.
Requirements for Using TransMac
- A Windows computer with Windows 7 or later.
- A USB drive with at least 8GB of free space.
- A Mac OS installer.
How to Use Etcher to Create a Bootable USB Drive
Etcher is a free, open-source app that can be used to create a bootable USB drive. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Etcher from the official website.
- Launch Etcher and select the Mac OS installer that you want to use to create the bootable USB drive.
- Select the USB drive that you want to use to create the bootable USB drive.
- Click “Create” to start the process of creating the bootable USB drive.
Requirements for Using Etcher
- A computer with Windows, Mac OS, or Linux.
- A USB drive with at least 8GB of free space.
- A Mac OS installer.
Conclusion
Creating a Mac OS bootable USB drive is a simple process that can be done using a variety of apps. DiskMaker X, TransMac, and Etcher are all popular options for creating bootable USB drives. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a bootable USB drive and install or reinstall Mac OS on your computer.
Additional Tips
- Make sure to use a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space to ensure that the bootable USB drive is created successfully.
- Make sure to use a Mac OS installer that is compatible with your computer.
- Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any errors during the process of creating the bootable USB drive.
By following these tips and using one of the apps outlined in this article, you can create a Mac OS bootable USB drive and install or reinstall Mac OS on your computer.
What is a Mac OS bootable USB and why do I need it?
A Mac OS bootable USB is a USB drive that contains a fully functional installation of the Mac operating system. This allows you to boot your Mac from the USB drive instead of the internal hard drive, which can be useful for troubleshooting, reinstalling the operating system, or accessing your Mac if the internal hard drive is damaged or corrupted.
Having a Mac OS bootable USB can be a lifesaver if your Mac is experiencing problems and you need to access it quickly. It can also be used to install the operating system on multiple Macs, making it a convenient tool for IT administrators or those who need to set up multiple Macs at once.
What are the system requirements for creating a Mac OS bootable USB?
To create a Mac OS bootable USB, you’ll need a Mac with a compatible operating system (typically macOS High Sierra or later), a USB drive with at least 16GB of free space, and a computer with internet access. The USB drive should be formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and have a GUID partition map.
Additionally, you’ll need to download the macOS installer from the Mac App Store, which requires a valid Apple ID and a compatible Mac. Make sure your Mac meets the system requirements for the version of macOS you want to install, as some older Macs may not be compatible with the latest versions.
What type of USB drive do I need to create a Mac OS bootable USB?
To create a Mac OS bootable USB, you’ll need a USB drive that meets the following requirements: it should have at least 16GB of free space, be USB 3.0 or later, and be formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with a GUID partition map. You can use a USB flash drive, a USB hard drive, or a USB solid-state drive (SSD).
When choosing a USB drive, consider the speed and capacity you need. A faster USB drive will make the installation process quicker, while a larger capacity drive will allow you to store more data. However, keep in mind that a larger drive may not be necessary if you only plan to use it for installing the operating system.
How do I download the macOS installer for creating a Mac OS bootable USB?
To download the macOS installer, you’ll need to access the Mac App Store on a compatible Mac. Open the App Store, click on the “Updates” tab, and then click on the “macOS” tab. Click on the “Get” button next to the version of macOS you want to install, and then click on the “Download” button.
Once the download is complete, the installer will be saved to your Applications folder. You can then use this installer to create a Mac OS bootable USB. Make sure you have a valid Apple ID and a compatible Mac to download the installer.
How do I create a Mac OS bootable USB using the Disk Utility app?
To create a Mac OS bootable USB using the Disk Utility app, you’ll need to open the app and select the USB drive you want to use. Then, click on the “Erase” tab and select “Quick Erase” to format the drive. Next, click on the “Restore” tab and select the macOS installer as the source, and then select the USB drive as the destination.
Click on the “Restore” button to begin the process, which may take several minutes to complete. Once the process is finished, your USB drive will be bootable and contain a fully functional installation of the Mac operating system.
How do I boot my Mac from the Mac OS bootable USB?
To boot your Mac from the Mac OS bootable USB, you’ll need to insert the USB drive into a free USB port on your Mac. Then, restart your Mac and immediately hold down the “Option (⌥)” key. This will bring up the boot menu, where you can select the USB drive as the boot device.
Select the USB drive and press the “Return” key to boot from it. Your Mac will then boot from the USB drive, allowing you to access the installation environment or troubleshoot your Mac.
What are some common issues I may encounter when creating a Mac OS bootable USB?
Some common issues you may encounter when creating a Mac OS bootable USB include the USB drive not being recognized by the Disk Utility app, the macOS installer not downloading correctly, or the bootable USB not working properly. To troubleshoot these issues, try restarting your Mac, reformatting the USB drive, or redownloading the macOS installer.
Additionally, make sure your Mac meets the system requirements for the version of macOS you want to install, and that the USB drive is compatible with your Mac. If you’re still having trouble, try seeking help from Apple support or a professional IT administrator.