About Parall

Why Parall Exists

Running multiple instances of the same app on macOS has always been a challenge. Parall solves this by creating independent app shortcuts that launch separate copies with their own data and settings-no scripts, no hacks, no background services. Parall is the first macOS app to make this possible natively and safely.

Parall supports automatic data isolation for all Chrome-based, Firefox-based, ToDesktop-based apps, and the majority of other non-sandboxed apps via the advanced HOME redirection feature. For the detailed and up-to-date list of compatible apps, visit the compatibility page.

Even when multi-instance mode isn't needed, you can still use Parall to create a shortcut that adds custom command-line arguments or overrides environment variables (including HOME) to control behavior, select profiles, or redirect data paths. The HOME override builds a container-like structure while preserving essential macOS links for compatibility.

Define custom environment variables applied only to that shortcut - perfect for fine-grained configuration, debugging, or per-project setups. Parall also supports the Arduino IDE, allowing you to run separate development environments with different toolchains, boards, and libraries side by side.

For educational labs and classrooms, Parall can automatically erase a shortcut's redirected data storage when the shortcut quits. This makes it easy to start each session from a clean state for student experiments, without manual cleanup.

Why Parall Matters

Parall makes it easier than ever to start multiple instances of the same macOS app - each with its own Dock icon and configuration - just as if they were separate apps. Instead of relying on workarounds or complex scripts, Parall creates independent shortcuts that launch multiple instances of apps, allowing you to use multiple profiles or sessions simultaneously.

Each shortcut remains directly connected to the original app bundle, meaning that whenever the original app is updated, all your Parall-created shortcuts automatically use the updated version as well. You never need to recreate or maintain them manually.

The latest version introduces advanced environment management, giving you even finer control over how each app instance stores and separates its data. That also enables advanced workflows such as running multiple separated Philips Hue Sync instances on macOS so different displays can use different dedicated LED setups without instance overlap.

Who Built Parall?

I am Ihor July, and I develop Parall as a cybersecurity expert and reverse engineer focused on building secure and privacy-respecting macOS tools. I am also the developer behind DockLock Lite and DockLock Plus - trusted utilities for controlling macOS Dock behavior - and App Trust Preview, a local-first Mac app inspection tool that translates signing, sandboxing, entitlements, and internal components into plain-language reports before you open an app.

This app is not "vibe coded". I built it myself and I test every change. I also developed a reusable Objective-C framework that I use across all my apps. I use AI and online search to help find bugs and edge cases, but the code and testing are mine. I also use AI to help write and polish texts because English is not my native language, and to translate the app into other languages.

The app is built natively in C++ for performance and sandboxed for maximum safety. Parall reflects years of research and development focused on delivering practical, privacy-first solutions for macOS users.

About Shortcut Bundles

The shortcuts created by Parall are standalone macOS app bundles that directly execute the target app's binary. These shortcut bundles are not sandboxed - by design - because they must launch the original application directly without additional layers.

Each shortcut is unsigned since any modification to an app bundle removes its original signature. macOS may display a message suggesting the shortcut is "trying to modify another app," but this is a generic system notification triggered by access, not by modification. Parall does not modify any system files or applications.

By design, Parall only creates shortcut bundles that mirror the original app structure and configuration. It never alters, injects, or writes into existing apps or the operating system, ensuring your Mac remains secure and unchanged.