Parall

Parall - The Parallel App Launcher for macOS

Run multiple instances of your favorite Mac apps, cleanly and without workarounds. Parall creates independent app shortcuts that behave like standalone apps, each with its own Dock icon, name, tray icon, configuration, and optional data container.

Parall is a fully native macOS tool. No hacks, scripts, or background daemons.

Key Features

• Launch multiple instances of the same app side by side.
• Each shortcut behaves like a separate app in the Dock with its own icon and state.
• App data redirect supported for almost all non sandboxed macOS apps.
• Shortcuts always stay in sync whenever the original app updates.
• Add a tray menu icon to control any app.
• For supported browsers get quick actions from tray menu icon to open new windows.
• Assign unique icons or add draw text label to easily distinguish profiles in the Dock.
• Control menu bar behavior in native full screen for supported apps and force the menu bar to always show or always auto hide for Chrome based browsers.
• Experimental control of Dock icon visibility for advanced setups that need special Dock behavior.
• Add command line parameters or flags for each shortcut.
• Advanced Info.plist overrides for fine grained app behavior tuning.
• Define environment variables per shortcut for flexible control and behavior separation.
• Parall runs only when you use it. No background processes.
• Offline and private. Operates entirely offline and never transmits any data.

Verified apps that support both multi instance and data separation include Chrome, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi, Opera, Tor Browser, Visual Studio Code, Arduino IDE, FreeCAD, Blender, Qt Creator, FileMaker Pro, Git Tower, Telegram Desktop, Viber, Discord, Dropbox, OBS, KiCad, Plex, Spotify, Sublime Text, Sublime Merge, LightBurn, Slack, Notion, Cursor, Evernote, Zoom, WinBox, QQ, and Audacity. Support also extends to many Chrome based, Firefox based, and ToDesktop based apps.

Most macOS apps store data in Library or hidden folders inside your home directory. For many non sandboxed apps, Parall lets you redirect this storage to locations such as Dropbox, iCloud Drive, external disks, or project folders, so you can isolate, back up, or share profiles the way you prefer.

Each shortcut is a lightweight app bundle that directly launches the target executable. You can pin it to the Dock, rename it, and change its icon. Shortcuts automatically adapt when the original app updates.

Parall itself is sandboxed and Mac App Store approved. Shortcuts you create are not sandboxed by design but only launch your existing apps with the configuration you chose.

Compatibility and support

Not every app supports multiple instances. For the current list see parall.app/compatibility. If your app is not listed and you want confirmation before purchase, contact support@parall.app and I will test it when possible.