Run multiple app instances
Create separate launch shortcuts for supported macOS apps, each with its own label and Dock icon. Where the target app allows it, instances can use different accounts, profiles, and data.
Parall
Parall is a native macOS utility for creating separate launch shortcuts for supported apps, websites, files, folders, and command-line tools. It helps users keep compatible accounts, profiles, data paths, and Dock identities distinct, with support varying by target app.
Native multi-instance launcher for macOS
Parall is a native macOS multi-instance launcher for running supported applications as separate shortcuts. Each shortcut can have its own name and Dock icon, while compatible apps may also receive separate accounts, profiles, settings, and data locations. Parall launches the original installed application rather than modifying or copying its app bundle.
Beyond installed apps, Parall can turn website URLs into Web App Shortcuts with separate Dock identities and storage paths. It also supports shortcuts for files, folders, and command-line tools, with advanced launch configuration for cases that require custom arguments or environment variables.
The product is intended for Mac users who need distinct workspaces for multiple accounts, profiles, projects, displays, or web services. Support is app-specific: the compatibility list distinguishes verified, partial, limited, and Web App Shortcut modes, so not every target supports full instance or data separation.
Capabilities
Separate data and profiles
Assign separate data paths to supported apps and Web App Shortcuts. The compatibility profile determines whether an app's data can be separated fully.
Create website shortcuts
Turn any website URL into a native Web App Shortcut with its own Dock identity and storage path. Predefined web targets include WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams web versions.
Advanced launch settings
Configure file, folder, and command shortcuts with custom arguments, environment variables, and HOME overrides for compatible applications.
Control Dock and menu bar behavior
Customize how shortcuts appear and behave in macOS with extracted or custom icons, labels, Light or Dark appearance overrides, optional menu bar icons, Dock effects, and animation options.
Keep the original app intact
Launches continue to use the original installed app rather than a modified copy. The site states that Parall does not use private APIs, code injection, binary patching, or system-file modification, and that shortcuts work locally without automatic telemetry or background daemons.
Practical uses
Separate work and personal accounts
Create separate shortcuts for work and personal accounts in compatible communication, productivity, or cloud applications, avoiding repeated sign-out and sign-in cycles.
Isolate project workspaces
Give different projects or client environments their own app data, profiles, and Dock entries when the target application supports separate storage.
Create dedicated web workspaces
Save frequently used services as distinct Web App Shortcuts with separate website storage, allowing different logins or site states where supported.
Manage multiple device configurations
Run display-specific configurations in compatible utilities such as Philips Hue Sync by assigning separate instances and data for different setups.
Build repeatable launch shortcuts
Create focused launchers for scripts, command-line tools, files, or folders and expose them through recognizable Dock shortcuts with custom arguments or environment variables.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Supports separate instances, Dock identities, and, where the target allows it, accounts, profiles, and data.
- Works with installed apps, website URLs, files, folders, and command-line tools.
- Provides per-shortcut controls for storage paths, environment variables, HOME overrides, appearance, and menu bar behavior.
- Uses the original installed app and operates locally without automatic telemetry or background daemons, according to the site.
Cons
- Full multi-instance and data separation is not available for every app; compatibility may be partial or limited.
- OAuth authorization for some supported apps requires closing other instances and temporarily using Safari as the default browser.
- The product is designed for macOS and does not provide evidence of Windows or Linux support.
FAQ
How does Parall create separate app instances?
Parall creates lightweight shortcuts for supported macOS apps, websites, files, folders, and command-line tools. For an app shortcut, configure the target app and its launch settings, then assign options such as a name, icon, data path, environment variables, or HOME override where supported.
Which apps work with Parall?
Compatibility varies by app. The compatibility list identifies verified, partial, limited, and Web App Shortcut modes. Verified apps can support separate instances and data, while partial or limited entries may not provide all functions. Any website can be created as a Web App Shortcut, subject to the website's support for stored state.
Can I run a Parall shortcut alongside the original app?
If using a Parall shortcut together with the original app, launch the original app first. To remove that launch-order dependency, create two Parall shortcuts and use those instead; they can then be started in either order.
Are there special requirements for OAuth sign-in?
Browser-based authorization flows for apps such as Cursor or Codex require the original app and every other instance of that app to be fully closed. The site also states that Safari must be the default browser during authorization; after sign-in returns to the target instance, other instances can be reopened.
Does Parall modify the original apps or run background services?
Parall operates locally and the site states that it has no automatic telemetry, background daemons, or bundled Chrome engine. It does not modify the original app bundle, system files, or app code; however, app and website behavior still depends on the target's compatibility profile.
Quick Facts
- Category
- macOS utility
- Platform
- macOS 10.11 through macOS 27 Golden Gate
- Compatibility coverage
- 124 listed entries: 103 verified, 15 partial, and 6 web or limited modes
- Shortcut types
- Apps, Web App Shortcuts, files, folders, and command-line tools
- Data handling
- Automatic or custom data paths where supported
- Operating model
- Native local app with no automatic telemetry or background services stated
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