---
title: "Install and run MapTiler Server on macOS | Guides | Self hosting | Map server"
description: "How to install and run MapTiler Server on Apple Mac, including initial config."
---

> For AI agents: a documentation index is available at [/llms.txt](https://docs.maptiler.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of all pages are available by appending .md to any URL.

# Install and run MapTiler Server on macOS

This guide walks you through the installation of [MapTiler Server](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/on-prem/server/) on macOS, including initial configuration.

## Select package format

Get the installation package from the [download page](https://www.maptiler.com/server/download/). It’s available in two different formats, each with a different setup method. Choose the one you prefer:

-   **DMG:** Recommended for most users. Includes the app, a launcher, and the `servicify` tool for configuring MapTiler Server to run permanently as a background service.
-   **ZIP:** Contains only the binary. Best for basic testing and manual re-installs.

The download pop-up automatically offers you the correct version of the installation package for your Mac architecture.

Which version for another Mac?

If you're downloading the package from a different machine than where you'll be installing it, check the chip type on the target Mac: Go to the Apple menu **About This Mac**, section **Chip** to see if the Mac is using `Apple Silicon` or `Intel`, so you know which version to download.

## Install with DMG

1.  Download the DMG file and double-click it to open the copy window.
    
2.  Drag the **MapTiler Server** icon into the **Applications** folder.
    
    ![DMG installation: Drag and drop MapTiler Server to Applications](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/on-prem/server/img/macos-install-dmg.png)
    
3.  Go to **Applications** and double-click on **MapTiler Server** to run it. Your default browser opens at `http://localhost:3650/admin`.
    
    ![Log in to MapTiler Server admin interface](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/on-prem/server/img/admin-log-in.png)
    
4.  Log in using the default password: `admin123`
    

### Change settings and set autostart (advanced)

To change the admin password, set up custom paths, and ensure that MapTiler Server starts automatically when you run your Mac, use the `servicify` tool. It requires admin rights so you need to run it in the terminal.

1.  Close any running MapTiler Server instances. How to do it: Open **Activity Monitor** and quit the `maptiler-server` app.
    
2.  Open your terminal and navigate to the application resources:
    
    ```bash
    cd "/Applications/MapTiler\ Server.app/Contents/Resources"
    ```
    
3.  Run the installation script:
    
    ```bash
    sudo ./servicify install
    ```
    
4.  Follow the prompts to configure MapTiler Server settings. Each prompt shows the default value; if you want to keep it, just hit `Enter`. You’ll be able to set:
    
    -   **User:** The system account running the service.
    -   **Working directory:** Where maps and config are stored.
    -   **Port:** Part of MapTiler Server’s local URL. Default is `3650`.
    -   **Password:** A new admin password of your choice.

When done, `servicify` starts the new instance of MapTiler Server, running as a system service which automatically starts after login.

To learn how to **stop** or **uninstall** the system service, run `sudo ./servicify` without arguments. _Please note that currently you need to restart your Mac after stopping the service._

To check your working directory at any time, go to the admin interface directly. This is where you would upload your maps if you wanted to do it manually.

![Where to find your MapTiler Server's working directory](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/on-prem/server/img/macos-install-path.png)

## Install with ZIP

1.  Download and unpack the ZIP file.
    
2.  Double-click the `maptiler-server` executable. A terminal window opens, showing:
    
    -   A newly generated **admin password**. Copy it to clipboard.
    -   The local address where MapTiler Server runs: `http://localhost:<port>/admin`. The default address is `http://localhost:3650/admin`.
    
    ![Terminal output after MapTiler Server installation](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/on-prem/server/img/macos-install-terminal-output.png)
    
3.  Open the local address in your browser and use the copied admin password to log in.
    

Note that closing the terminal window stops MapTiler Server.

### Run from command line

For more control, you can launch MapTiler Server directly from your favorite terminal. This allows you to set a custom working directory, port, and admin password in a single command. Switch to the folder with the unpacked ZIP file and run:

```bash
./maptiler-server --workDir=<custom-path-to-maps> --port=<custom-port> --adminPassword=<custom-password>
```

To see all available configuration options, run: `./maptiler-server --help`

**Note on directories:** Running via double-click defaults the working directory to your home folder (typically `/Users/<user>`), while running via CMD defaults to the directory where you executed the command.

## Run as a background daemon (expert)

If you prefer manual control over the macOS background daemon (`launchd`) instead of using `servicify`, follow these steps:

1.  Create a property list file at `/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.maptiler.server.plist`:
    
    ```bash
    sudo nano /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.maptiler.server.plist
    ```
    
2.  Paste the following sample configuration, replacing `${VARIABLES}` with your absolute paths:
    
    ```xml
    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
    <!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
    <plist version="1.0">
    <dict>
        <key>Label</key>
        <string>com.maptiler.server</string>
        <key>Program</key>
        <string>${PATH_TO_MAPTILER_SERVER_BINARY}</string>
        <key>ProgramArguments</key>
        <array>
            <string>--workDir=${WORK_DIR}</string>
            <string>--port=${PORT}</string>
        </array>
        <key>RunAtLoad</key>
        <true/>
        <key>WorkingDirectory</key>
        <string>${WORK_DIR}</string>
        <key>StandardOutPath</key>
        <string>/var/log/maptiler-server.log</string>
        <key>StandardErrorPath</key>
        <string>/var/log/maptiler-server.err</string>
    </dict>
    </plist>
    ```
    
3.  Load and start the service:
    
    ```bash
    sudo launchctl load /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.maptiler.server.plist
    ```
    
4.  Verify that the service is running (check for a PID):
    
    ```bash
    sudo launchctl list | grep com.maptiler
    ```
    

## What’s next

With MapTiler Server up and running, you can now self-host some maps. To get started and see how MapTiler Server works 👉 [deploy our free sample maps](https://docs.maptiler.com/guides/on-prem/server/getting-started/).rted/).