Installing and Running Multiple Versions of Chrome on a Mac

Many users find themselves needing two or more versions of the popular Chrome browser for various reasons. This article will guide you through the process of installing and running different versions of Chrome on a Mac, including Chrome Canary, without any significant complications. Follow these detailed steps to achieve seamless operation of both stable and development versions of Chrome on your Mac.

Introduction to Multiple Versions of Chrome

Google Chrome is a versatile and widely used web browser, but sometimes users require specific features present in more recent development versions (Chrome Canary). This can be especially useful for early access to new features or for troubleshooting purposes.

Install Chrome Canary and Stable Versions Side by Side

With the following steps, you can install and run both Chrome Canary and stable versions of Chrome alongside each other on your Mac. This process will allow you to benefit from the latest features without disrupting your current setup.

Download Chrome Canary and Stable Versions:
Visit the official Google Chrome website and download both the stable and Canary versions of Chrome. You can download them as DMG files. Install the Stable Version:
Please drag the downloaded Chrome DMG file to your Applications folder to install the stable version. Bypass System Integrity Protection (SIP):
Open Terminal and run the following command to disable SIP temporarily: Install the Canary Version:
Drag the Canary version to a different location within your Applications folder, such as a folder named 'Chrome Canary'. This will help you distinguish the two versions. Set Up Chrome Canary:
Double-click on the new 'Chrome Canary' application to install it. This step will prompt you to download and install the Chrome Canary application. Access Different Versions:
To launch the stable version, type 'Google Chrome' in your Spotlight search. To launch the Canary version, type 'Chrome Canary' in your Spotlight search.

Using Chromium-Based Browsers on a Mac

If you prefer a different Chromium-based browser like Brave, you may face limitations. Brave is more similar to Chromium due to its reliance on Google's App Store for extensions. This can complicate running multiple instances or versions of Chromium-based browsers.

Advanced Techniques for Installing Multiple Browser Versions

For advanced users, there are a few additional methods to run multiple browser versions on a Mac:

Renaming and Moving Applications:
You can move the ‘Google Chrome’ app to a different location or rename it, then run it separately. This allows you to have multiple versions of the browser open simultaneously with unique names. Isolating Files into Different Folders:
By isolating all necessary files into different folders and running the application as a 'Portable' version, you might achieve the ability to run different versions of Chrome simultaneously.

Conclusion

If you need to run multiple versions of Chrome on a Mac, these methods and techniques should help you manage both stable and Canary versions effortlessly. Experimenting with these steps will provide you with the flexibility to switch between different versions quickly and efficiently.