Repolode
Submit
wzh4869

wzh4869/AppPorts

A macOS utility that moves large apps and their data to an external drive while keeping launchable local icons.

View on GitHubWebsite
Stars
2,133
Forks
97
Open issues
8
Last commit
9 hours ago

What is it?

AppPorts is a free, open-source macOS app for moving large applications, app data, and developer tool directories to external storage. After migration, the full app lives on the external drive while a lightweight Stub Portal stays on the Mac, keeping the familiar icon without a shortcut arrow so the app can still be opened from Finder, the Dock, or Launchpad while the drive is connected.

App data such as container directories can be moved with APFS mount migration, which mounts a dedicated external APFS volume at the original path so the app keeps its signature. Ordinary data folders, tool directories like ~/.npm, and custom folders are handled with symbolic links. The app also detects Sparkle and Electron update mechanisms, offers a locked migration option, checks code signatures, and flags orphaned links.

The project is built with Swift and SwiftUI and requires macOS 12.0 or newer. Container mount migration requires unencrypted APFS external storage.

Key features

  • 01Migrates apps to an external drive while keeping local launchers with normal icons.
  • 02Moves container data via APFS mount migration to preserve app signatures.
  • 03Uses symbolic links for ordinary data folders, tool directories, and custom folders.
  • 04Detects Sparkle and Electron updaters and offers locked migration for suitable apps.
  • 05Checks code signatures and can back up and restore original signatures.
  • 06Marks orphaned links when the external drive or target is unavailable.

Use cases

  • Freeing space on a MacBook with limited internal storage by moving large apps to an SSD.
  • Relocating WeChat or other app container data to an external drive.
  • Moving developer caches such as ~/.npm off the internal disk.
  • Restoring migrated apps and data to the Mac when enough local space is available.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Clone the repository

    git clone https://github.com/wzh4869/AppPorts.git
  2. 2

    Open the project in Xcode and build

  3. 3

    Or download the latest AppPorts.dmg from Releases, move it to Applications, and open it

Things to know

  • macOS only, requiring macOS 12.0 or newer.
  • Container data migration requires unencrypted APFS external storage.
  • Some apps may not work after migration, and Full Disk Access permissions must be configured manually.

Topics

#macos#disk-cleaner#external-storage#symbolic-links#swift#swiftui#storage#app-manager#full-disk-access#macos-app

FAQ

What is AppPorts?
A macOS utility that moves large apps and their data to an external drive while keeping launchable local icons. AppPorts is a free, open-source macOS app for moving large applications, app data, and developer tool directories to external storage. After migration, the full app lives on the external drive while a lightweight Stub Portal stays on the Mac, keeping the familiar icon without a shortcut arrow so the app can still be opened from Finder, the Dock, or Launchpad while the drive is connected.
Is AppPorts free to use? What license does it have?
AppPorts is open source under the Apache-2.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is AppPorts still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to AppPorts was on Oct 20, 2026.
What can I use AppPorts for?
Freeing space on a MacBook with limited internal storage by moving large apps to an SSD. Relocating WeChat or other app container data to an external drive. Moving developer caches such as ~/.npm off the internal disk. Restoring migrated apps and data to the Mac when enough local space is available.
How do I install AppPorts?
Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/wzh4869/AppPorts.git Open the project in Xcode and build Or download the latest AppPorts.dmg from Releases, move it to Applications, and open it
Where can I get AppPorts?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/wzh4869/AppPorts

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

Related projects