DiskMaker X is the successor to Lion DiskMaker. The tool creates a bootable DVD or a bootable USB stick for Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion and OS X 10.9 Mavericks.

Apple provides Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, OS X 10.8 from Mountain Lion and OS X 10.9 Mavericks by default only on the Mac app store. Users need to download the software to upgrade from Snow Leopard or lion.

Users who want to install the OS on multiple Macs need a bootable media. The Lion DiskMaker tool does this job. It is suitable for creating a bootable USB stick of Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks. Bootable DVDs can also be created.

To get the latest features and maintain the security, stability, compatibility and performance of your Mac, it's important to keep your software up to date. Apple recommends that you always use the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac.

At startup, Lion DiskMaker for Mac immediately asks which operating system the user would like to use, whether OS X 10.7 or 10.8. The menu is small, but uncomplicated and walks the user through. Like other versions of OS X, Snow Leopard can be installed from a USB drive. This is especially beneficial to Macbook Air users looking to install the OS without a DVD drive. To do this, you’ll need to prepare your USB drive with the installation files. Step 1: Download & Install DiskMaker X. Just download DiskMaker X 3 and install it to your Applications folder. Also, make sure you already have the Install OS X Mavericks file there, too, and a properly formatted USB drive before continuing. Step 2: Run Through the Easy Instructions. Now open up DiskMaker X and choose Mavericks (10.9).It will find the installer file in your Applications folder.

Learn how to upgrade to macOS Big Sur, the latest version of macOS.

Check compatibility

If a macOS installer can't be used on your Mac, the installer will let you know. For example, it might state that your Mac doesn't have enough free storage space for the installation or that the installer is too old to be opened on this version of macOS.

If you want to check compatibility before downloading the installer, learn about the minimum requirements for macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan or Yosemite. You can also check compatible operating systems on the product-ID page for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini or Mac Pro.

Make a backup

Before installing, it’s a good idea to back up your Mac. Time Machine makes it simple and other backup methods are also available. Learn how to back up your Mac.

Download macOS

It takes time to download and install macOS, so make sure you're plugged into AC power and have a reliable internet connection.

Diskmaker X For Snow Leopard

These installers from the App Store open automatically after they've been downloaded:

Diskmaker X Snow Leopard

• macOS Catalina 10.15 can upgrade Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite and Mavericks
• macOS Mojave 10.14 can upgrade High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks and Mountain Lion
• macOS High Sierra 10.13 can upgrade Sierra, El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion and Lion

Download Diskmaker X

Your web browser will download the following older installers as a disk image named InstallOS.dmg or InstallMacOSX.dmg. Open the disk image, then open the .pkg installer inside the disk image. It will install an app named Install [Version Name]. Open that app from your Applications folder to start installing the operating system.

• macOS Sierra 10.12 can upgrade El Capitan, Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion or Lion
• OS X El Capitan 10.11 can upgrade Yosemite, Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion or Snow Leopard
• OS X Yosemite 10.10can upgrade Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Lion or Snow Leopard

Install macOS

Follow the onscreen instructions in the installer. It might be easiest to start the installation in the evening so that it can be completed overnight, if needed.

If the installer asks for permission to install a helper tool, enter the administrator name and password that you use to log in to your Mac, then click Add Helper.

Diskmaker X Pro

Please allow the installation to be completed without putting your Mac to sleep or closing its lid. Your Mac may restart, display a progress bar or show a blank screen several times as it installs both macOS and related updates to your Mac firmware.

Diskmaker X For Windows

Diskmaker X Pour Snow Leopard

Learn more

Lion Diskmaker Windows

You might also be able to use use macOS Recovery to reinstall the macOS you're using now, upgrade to the latest compatible macOS or install the macOS that came with your Mac.