How Can Mac Users Share Apps Between

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There are times when I need to wirelessly share files between Mac and PC. It happens with me both at work and home as not everyone is using macOS. Though not so plain sailing, there is a way to bridge the gap without the help of any third-party app. As for requirements, you need to have the access to the IP address that you can easily get. With purchase sharing, you can give your family members access to each other's apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books. Learn how to download family members' purchases with these steps. With purchase sharing, one adult in your Family Sharing group agrees to pay for any purchases from the App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple Books. Welcome to Mac Help, our new column focused on helping you, the reader, with troubles you're having on your Mac. This installment's question comes from Doug Larsen, who needs help sharing files between his and his wife's user accounts on their family Mac. Dough writes: My wife and I sometimes want to share files with each other. A year ago we got our first Mac but before that we. The difficult question isn't sharing programs (which almost always are shared by default) but how to share data. In particular, music in iTunes, photos in iPhoto, videos in iMovie, they all resist sharing because those apps were not designed for it. In general, to share data you can use the 'Shared' folder. Jun 04, 2020 With purchase sharing, you can give your family members access to each other's apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books. Learn how to download family members' purchases with these steps. With purchase sharing, one adult in your Family Sharing group agrees to pay for any purchases from the App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple Books.

Best data sync app for Mac

How Can Mac Users Share Apps Between Android

Your data synced and secure with ChronoSync Express.

For those with multiple Macs, syncing files across computers can be a hassle. Many have a Mac at home, at work, and maybe one in a third location! Here, we’ll show you how to transfer files from Mac to Mac, share files between Macs, and move files from a cloud storage container to your Mac, locally.

Set up file sharing between Macs

The best solutions to connect two Macs to transfer, share and sync files. All in one pack, give it a go!

There are a number of different ways to transfer files from Mac to Mac or share them, depending on the tools you use to work on the file.

Transfer data between Macs online

The most popular way to transfer data between Macs is via the cloud. That could be via iCloud — Apple’s own apps use iCloud to sync between Macs and iOS devices logged into the same Apple ID — or, say, Dropbox. By saving files to your online cloud account rather than your local Mac, you’ll always be working on the most recent version of a document. Tools like Microsoft Office 365 and Google Docs work in a similar way — storing documents online so you can access them from anywhere.

If you’ve ever wondered “how do I move files from iCloud to my Mac?,” we’ll show you.

Using a cloud storage solution like iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, or any other service is like having an external drive you don’t have to actually carry around. Files can be stored there, and moved to any Mac you like, or multiple Macs. It’s a popular solution because cloud storage is available anywhere you go, and there’s no hardware to manage. The best solutions – like those mentioned above – can house any file type you have.

Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud all have the ability to select multiple files or folders for download. All you need to do is command-click or shift-click on the files you want to download, then choose the ‘download’ option. For Google Drive and Dropbox it’s on the right side of the screen. (Dropbox has a ‘download’ button; Drive has a three-dot menu with a ‘download’ option.)

For iCloud users, simply select the files you want to download, they choose the ‘download’ icon – a cloud with a downward-facing arrow – at the top center of the screen.

Cloud-based storage isn’t always the right solution. You may have large files or folders that exceed your cloud storage limit, or documents you want to view and edit locally on your Mac. These are a few occasions where you’ll need to store documents and files locally and sync them later. That could be because you work offline sometimes and need to be able to access documents or because you don’t want to store documents in the cloud.

There are solutions for that too. One of them is ChronoSync Express (above), which allows you quickly and easily synchronize files between two Macs. There are a number of caveats — the Macs you sync need to be running the same version of Mac OS and the applications on them should all be the same version. In addition, you should only synchronize files in your user Home folder, with the exception of files in the Library folder. There’s an excellent guide to syncing between two Macs using ChronoSync Express here.

If you’d rather take a more manual approach to sharing files, Forklift (below) can help. Designed as a tool for managing FTP servers, Forklift can also sync and transfer files from Mac to Mac on the same network. All you need to do is connect to the Mac using AFP or SMB, log in and add the folder you want to synchronize to your Favourites in Forklift. You can then use Forklift’s sync tool to ensure the same data is always in both folders.

Transfer files with AirDrop

When two Macs are within Bluetooth range of each other, Apple’s built-in AirDrop feature may help with file transfer. It’s most useful when transferring one file at a time, and isn’t perfect for larger files or folders. How to remove mac ads cleaner app. But when you need to send an image or document from one Mac to another in the same vicinity, AirDrop is a very decent tool.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Use the command-space bar keyboard shortcut to bring up Spotlight search on your Mac.
  2. Type ‘AirDrop’
  3. Open the AirDrop utility
    Note: Make sure both Macs are powered on and not ‘sleeping.’ AirDrop only works when both devices are active. Similarly, the remaining steps will discuss how to send a file using AirDrop.
  4. Find the Mac you want to send files or folders to
  5. Drag-and-drop the files or folders onto the icon of the Mac you’re sending to

For this to work well, both Macs should have their discoverability set to ‘Everyone.’ (It’s an option at the bottom of the screen, as seen below. You may be able to use the ‘contacts only’ setting, though this can be cumbersome when two Macs are using the same Apple ID.)

The upside to AirDrop is it can be used to send files to iPhones, iPads, or other Apple devices within range.

File Sharing

You can use built-in settings on your Mac to share files and folders with others in your network. It’s a good option for those who want to ‘own’ a document and allow others to edit them, or set particular users to have ‘read-only’ access. Here’s how:

  1. From the menu bar, select the Apple icon
  2. Select ‘System Preferences’
  3. Select ‘Sharing’
  4. Select the ‘File Sharing’ box
  5. Under ‘Shared Folders,’ add or remove folders you want others in your network to have access to
  6. Under ‘users,’ choose the level of access you want each user on the network to have

This is a good option for those with multiple Macs, but has a few downsides. First, you have to manage the settings from one Mac. You may also forget that another Mac has read-only access to a folder, which has to be controlled from the ‘main’ Mac computer. That said, it’s okay for those with a few Macs which are always on the same network.

Tools to sync data to Mac

Download a set of apps to transfer files from Mac to Mac. Only the most secure solutions in the pack.

The Mac is meant to be portable, and we’re sure you’re mobile as well. That’s why we prefer Dropshare, a cloud hosting service that allows you to upload files and folders from your Mac. You can use its own cloud hosting, which is free with Setapp, or use Dropshare to access third-party storage such as Amazon S3. By dragging a folder onto Dropshare on one Mac and copying it from Dropshare on another Mac, you’ll ensure that all the files within it are in sync. You will, of course, need to remember to drag the most recent version of the folder to Dropshare whenever you move to the other Mac.

Another great app is Path Finder, a highly customizable file management app for power users. It integrates with Dropbox, and has a really clever queue for files you want to share to other Macs. This allows you to manage and share tons of files without accidentally sharing files with other computers that should remain private. The smart FolderSync feature helps you share files in batches, and syncs them across multiple computers or disks.

Sync folders between Macs

Syncing and sharing are similar, but have unique differences. Sharing allows you to share files managed by a user; syncing allows other Macs to add to a folder.

The aforementioned file sharing will sync files from one Mac to another, but using a cloud storage system to sync folders is smarter. iCloud allows for this for Macs using the same iCloud account. Google Drive and Dropbox are better for managing shared folders for multiple users.

We prefer ChronoSync Express for syncing folders across multiple Macs. It has time-based event handling for backup and sync, and runs on any Mac with ChronoSync Express installed. It’s a great option for those who have multiple iMacs or Mac Pros that aren’t portable; if you have an iMac at work and a MacBook at home, ChronoSync Express is perfect.

How to move your content to a new Mac

Apple’s built-in Migration Assistant can help you transfer data from an old mac to a new one. We’ll walk you through the basics of using Migration Assistant.

On your new Mac:

Users
  1. Under Applications, select ‘Migration Assistant’
  2. Select ‘from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk’
  3. Select ‘Continue’

On your old Mac:

How Can Mac Users Share Apps Between
  1. Open Migration Assistant
  2. Select ‘to another Mac’
  3. Select ‘Continue’

On your new Mac:

  1. When prompted, select the Mac you’re transferring content from
  2. Select ‘Continue’

Note: You may see a security code on your old and new Macs. Make sure they’re the same code, and proceed as the on-screen directions suggest.

Make sure your old and new Macs select each other as the original or destination source, and select ‘Continue’ in the window. The migration will start. Please note this process can take a day or longer, and you may be required to connect your Macs with a USB cable.

Before you begin this process, we suggest you use AnyTrans to backup your iPhone content. It makes porting content from an iPhone to your new Mac a breeze, and is a smart option when you decide to upgrade your iPhone.

Keeping files and folders synced is important. Apple’s own tooling makes it possible, but it’s pretty clumsy and limited. That’s why we prefer to manage and sync files through third-party apps.

Luckily, all the apps mentioned here – ChronoSync Express, Forklift, Dropshare, AnyTrans, and Path Finder – are available for free via a seven day trial of Setapp, the leading suite of productivity apps for the Mac. Once the free trial has ended, Setapp is only $9.99 per month for continued unlimited access to its full catalog of nearly 200 apps.

So there you go — lots of options for syncing files between two Macs, two iOS devices and even between a Mac and an iOS device. Choose the one that best meets your needs and give it a go.

Setapp lives on Mac and iOS. Please come back from another device.

Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.

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With purchase sharing, one adult in your Family Sharing group agrees to pay for any purchases from the App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple Books. You can then see and download your family members' purchases from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple TV, and PC, and enjoy them too.* Follow the steps below to download family members' purchases to your device, and learn where to find those purchases if you don't see them.

How to download previous purchases from family members

When purchase sharing is turned on for your family, you can see and download items from each family member's purchase history. You can download music, movies, TV shows, and books on up to 10 of your devices, 5 of which can be computers. You can download apps to any devices that you own or control.

Download purchases on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Download purchases on your iPhone or iPod touch

  1. If you're not signed in, sign in with your Apple ID.
  2. Open the store app that you want to download content from, then go to the Purchased page.*
    • App Store: Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner, then tap Purchased.
    • iTunes Store: Tap More , then tap Purchased.
    • Apple Books: Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
  3. Tap your family member's name to see their content. Learn what to do if you don’t see any content or can't tap your family member.
  4. To download an item, tap Download next to it.

Download purchases on your iPad

  1. If you're not signed in, sign in with your Apple ID.
  2. Open the store app that you want to download content from.
    • App Store: Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner, then tap Purchased.*
    • iTunes Store: Tap Purchased, then tap My Purchases.
    • Apple Books: Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
  3. Tap the family member's name to see their content. Learn what to do if you don’t see any content or can't tap your family member.
  4. To download an item, tap Download next to it.

Download purchases on your Mac or PC

Download purchases on your Mac

  1. If you’re not signed in, sign in with your Apple ID.
  2. Open the store app that you want to download content from, then go to the Purchased page.*
    • App Store: Click your profile picture in the bottom-left corner.
    • Apple Music app: From the menu bar, choose Account > Family Purchases.
    • Apple TV app: From the menu bar, choose Account > Family Purchases.
    • Apple Books: Click Book Store, then click Purchased under Quick Links on the right side of the Apple Books window.
  3. From the menu to the right of Purchased, choose a family member's name to view their content. For example, in the App Store:
  4. Download or play the items that you want.

Download purchases on your Windows PC

How Can Mac Users Share Apps Between Android

  1. If you’re not signed in, sign in with your Apple ID.
  2. From the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window, choose Account > Family Purchases.*
  3. Select a family member's name to view their content.
  4. Download or play the items that you want.

Download purchases on your Apple Watch

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap Account.
  3. Tap Purchased.*

* In the store, items your family members have already purchased still show their full price. To avoid paying for the item again, download it from the Purchased page.

Download purchases on your Apple TV, smart TV, or streaming device

Download purchases on your Apple TV

  1. On your Apple TV, select iTunes Movies, iTunes TV Shows, or App Store.
  2. Select Purchased, select Family Sharing, then select your family member to see their content.* You can access shared movies, TV shows, and apps on Apple TV, but not music.

Download purchases in the Apple TV app on your smart TV or streaming device

  1. Open the Apple TV app.
  2. Select Library > Family Sharing, then select your family member to see their content.* You can access shared movies and TV shows in the Apple TV app on smart TVs and streaming devices.

* In the store, items your family members have already purchased still show their full price. To avoid paying for the item again, access it from the Family Sharing page.

Where to find downloaded purchases

Once you've downloaded a family member's purchase to your device, you can look for it in these locations:

  • Apps download to the Home screen on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV. Apps download to Launchpad on your Mac.
  • Music downloads to the Apple Music app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or Apple Watch. Music downloads to iTunes for Windows on your PC.
  • TV shows and movies download to the Apple TV app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple TV, or streaming device. TV shows and movies download to iTunes for Windows on your PC.
  • Books download to the Apple Books app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or Apple Watch.

If you still don't see your family's shared content, learn what to do.

Learn more about Family Sharing

  • Family Sharing requires a personal Apple ID signed in to iCloud.
  • iOS 8 or later and OS X Yosemite or later are required to set up or join a Family Sharing group and are recommended for full functionality.
  • Not all content is eligible to be shared. Content can be hidden by family members; hidden content is not available for download. Content downloaded from family members or acquired via redemption codes is not subject to Ask to Buy.

* Not all content and content types are available in all countries or regions. To share purchased content, all family members must use the same Apple ID country or region. Music, movies, TV shows, and books can be downloaded on up to 10 devices per account, five of which can be computers. Apps can be downloaded to any devices the family member owns or controls.