OrbStack
OrbStack is a macOS developer tool for running Docker containers, Kubernetes, and Linux machines in a single local app.
What is OrbStack?
OrbStack is a native Mac developer tool that helps you run Docker containers, Kubernetes, and full Linux machines on macOS. It is designed for developers who need a local environment for building, testing, and running software without switching to a separate server or cloud workspace. Common uses include container-based app development, trying Linux distributions, running local services, and working with command-line or editor-based workflows. OrbStack includes command-line integration, file sharing between macOS and Linux, networking features for local development, and support for both containers and virtualized Linux machines in one interface. It is published by Orbital Labs, LLC and is commonly used as an alternative to Docker Desktop on Mac.
Key features
- Run Docker containers locally on macOS
- Create and use full Linux machines on your Mac
- Use Kubernetes for local development and testing
- Access containers and Linux environments from the command line
- Share files between macOS and Linux workflows
- Use SSH-based development with Linux machines
- Run x86 workloads on Apple Silicon with Rosetta support
Review app leftovers with diCleaner
Inspect caches, support files, containers, and login items before cleaning.
Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
OrbStack is a legitimate developer tool for macOS, but it runs virtualization and container workloads that can use network access, local file sharing, and background resources as part of normal operation. Those behaviors are consistent with its purpose. Because it can host containers, Linux machines, and untrusted development code, you should review which projects and images you run inside it and limit access to sensitive files or credentials when testing unfamiliar workloads.
Recommendation: Keep OrbStack if you use Docker, Kubernetes, or local Linux environments for development on your Mac. If you no longer use it, removing the app will also remove your local containers, images, virtual machines, and related development data unless you back them up first.
Common paths
/Applications/OrbStack.app~/.orbstack~/OrbStack
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/dev.kdrag0n.MacVirt
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/dev.kdrag0n.MacVirt.plist~/Library/Saved Application State/dev.kdrag0n.MacVirt.savedState
Container paths
~/Library/Group Containers/*.dev.orbstack
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