Parall
Claim this toolRun multiple independent instances of any app with separate data and Dock icons.
Paid plans onlyPaidProductivity
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Tracked since2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- Paid plans only. Compare plans
Key facts
- Run multiple instances of the same macOS app side by side, each with separate data, accounts, and Dock identity.
- Turn any website into a web app shortcut with its own Dock icon and storage path, and create file/folder/command-line shortcuts.
- Preserves the original app’s code signature and update mechanism, no modification, repackaging, or private APIs.
Pros
- Preserves the original app’s code signature and built-in updater, so security patches apply automatically
- Does not modify, copy, or re-sign the target app, no risk of breaking entitlements or sandboxing
- Privacy-first: no telemetry, works fully offline, no background daemons
Cons
- Only works on macOS (no Windows or Linux support)
- Limited to apps with documented compatibility; not all apps support full data separation
What is Parall?
Parall is a macOS utility that lets you run multiple independent instances of the same application, each with its own name, Dock icon, and, where supported, separate accounts, profiles, and data. It creates lightweight shortcuts that launch the original installed app without modifying, copying, or re-signing it, preserving the developer’s signature and built-in updater. Beyond apps, Parall can turn any URL into a web app shortcut with its own Dock identity and custom data path, and it supports file, folder, and command-line shortcuts with custom arguments and environment variables. Built through years of reverse engineering macOS app architecture, Parall avoids private APIs, code injection, or system modifications, and it operates entirely locally with no telemetry or background services. It is distributed as a sandboxed app via the Mac App Store and works on macOS versions from 10.11 through 27 Golden Gate.
Key Features
- Launch multiple independent instances of supported macOS apps
- Separate data folders, accounts, profiles, and storage locations per instance where supported
- Assign each instance its own Dock icon, label, and behavior
- Create web app shortcuts from any URL with custom Dock identity and data path
- Create file, folder, and command-line shortcuts with custom arguments and environment variables
- Force Light or Dark appearance per shortcut, add menu bar icon, apply Dock effects and animation
- Compatibility with 124+ apps, verified from macOS 10.11 through 27 Golden Gate
- No telemetry, no background services, sandboxed and distributed via Mac App Store
Pricing
Paid
Parall offers paid plans. Visit their website for current pricing details.
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Parall FAQ
How does Parall ensure each instance has its own data folder?
Parall uses reverse-engineered launch mechanisms to configure environment variables and launch arguments that point each instance to a separate data directory. This works only where the target app supports reading data from an alternative path; compatibility is documented per app.
Can I create a shortcut for a command-line tool with custom arguments?
Yes. Parall supports creating shortcuts for command-line tools, allowing you to specify custom arguments and environment variables. The shortcut launches the tool in a terminal-like context with the given parameters.
Does Parall work with browsers like Chrome or Safari to run separate profiles?
Yes, Parall can launch multiple instances of browsers with separate data directories, effectively giving each instance its own profile, bookmarks, and extensions. This is one of the most common use cases.
What happens when the target app updates through its built-in updater?
Parall never modifies the original app bundle, so the built-in updater continues to work normally. After an update, all Parall shortcuts will launch the updated version the next time they are started.
Is Parall compatible with macOS Sequoia and future versions?
Parall is verified and tested through macOS 27 Golden Gate. The developer continues to reverse-engineer new macOS releases to maintain compatibility, but future versions may require updates to the compatibility profiles.
How is Parall different from simply duplicating the app bundle?
Duplicating an app bundle invalidates its code signature, breaks sandbox entitlements, and can prevent updates. Parall instead launches the original installed app through a separate shortcut, preserving the signature, entitlements, and update path without modifying the bundle.
Does Parall require any background services or daemons to run?
No. Parall is a standalone, sandboxed app distributed through the Mac App Store. It does not install any helper tools, background daemons, or launch agents. All shortcut creation and launching happens locally and offline.
Source: parall.app