Downloading 64-bit ISO files for Mac OS X (now macOS) is a common task for developers, security researchers, and enthusiasts who need to run Apple’s operating system in virtualized environments like VirtualBox
Terminal (Applications > Utilities).hdiutil create -o /tmp/MacOS -size 8g -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J -type SPARSE
hdiutil attach /tmp/MacOS.sparseimage -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/install_build
createinstallmedia (inside the installer app) to write to the volume:
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ High\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/install_build
hdiutil detach "/Volumes/Install macOS High Sierra"
hdiutil convert /tmp/MacOS.sparseimage -format UDTO -o /tmp/MacOS
.cdr to .iso):
mv /tmp/MacOS.cdr ~/Desktop/MacOS.iso
Here is a breakdown of top sources and popular 64-bit versions as of April 2026. Top Sources for 64-bit Mac OS X/macOS ISOs Internet Archive (archive.org) mac os x iso download 64 bit top
OS X El Capitan (10.11): A classic "bridge" OS for legacy hardware. Downloading 64-bit ISO files for Mac OS X
Create a blank disk image: hdiutil create -o /tmp/macOS -size 14G -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities)
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Sonoma --nointeraction hdiutil detach /Volumes/Install\ macOS\ Sonoma
If you already have a genuine macOS installer .app, you can convert it to ISO for virtualization:
hdiutil create -o /tmp/MacOS -size 8500m -volname macOS -layout SPUD -fs HFS+hdiutil attach /tmp/MacOS.dmg -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/macOSsudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Catalina.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/macOShdiutil detach /Volumes/Install\ macOS\ Catalinahdiutil convert /tmp/MacOS.dmg -format UDTO -o ~/Desktop/macOS.isomv ~/Desktop/macOS.iso.cdr ~/Desktop/macOS.iso