Opening a second instance of an application

CarpentersKeys · CarpentersKeys #1 (**permalink**)

03-24-2011, 05:10 PM

Hai, first post. Pretty new to my macbookpro but liking it so. My first mac computer.

My question; is it possible to open a second instance of an application to run alongside the original instance or is this something the OS can't do? I've done it multiple times on my previous computer, a linux and I know mac is linux based so I don't see why it wouldn't be possible.

Thanks in advance.

Raz0rEdge · Raz0rEdge #2 (**permalink**)

03-24-2011, 05:19 PM

Mac is not Linux based..it's based on a BSD Kernel..so it's more Unix than Linux..but anyway..

Which application are you trying to run multiple instances of? This might be more a limitation of the application than the OS. The application might be telling you that you already have it running so why are you running a second copy, you can try to open a new window or whatever in the application as opposed to running an entire new instance..

Regards

Slydude · Slydude #3 (**permalink**)

03-24-2011, 11:43 PM

I have had multiple instances of programs open before. Generally that works best if you have the app installed more than once. For instance I have MPEG Streamclip on the boot drive but also have a copy on a clone of my system. it's possible to have both open simultaneously. It works for several other apps as well.

vansmith · vansmith #4 (**permalink**)

03-25-2011, 12:14 AM

You sure can but it's not exactly straightforward. Open up Terminal and execute the following:

Code:

/Applications/<app name.app>/Contents/MacOS/<bin name> &

Replace <app name.app> with the app name and <bin name> with the name of the binary in that folder. So, for instance, if I wanted to open up two instances of MacVim, I would execute the following command twice:

Code:

/Applications/MacVim.app/Contents/MacOS/MacVim &

This won't work for all applications for one of two reasons (I can only think of two reasons right now):
1. Not all binaries are named after the application. For instance, the binary for Firefox is called firefox-bin. Most applications are like MacVim above - the bin name is the same as the app bundle.
2. Some applications don't allow multiple instances such as Firefox.

Even though you can do this, you're better doing what Raz0rEdge suggested - open multiple windows instead.

ovbg · ovbg #5 (**permalink**)

03-26-2011, 11:55 PM

Some applications do have that option, or at least it appears to have separate instances open.

In Finder, go to the menu: File>New Finder Window
In Firefox, File>New Window

etc.

Not all programs have this and you may need the terminal commands provided above.

mareoraft · mareoraft #6 (**permalink**)

03-12-2012, 11:32 PM

The following is slightly simpler. Let's say I wanted to open the application Preview.

Open Terminal, type the command

Code:

open -na Preview

Explanation: The -n option is for "new" or "new instance". The -a option tells your computer you are opening an application, so that the path (usually /Applications/) and the extensions (.app) are no longer needed.

vansmith #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 19, 2008 Location: Ottawa Posts: 15,279 Mac Specs: 2012 13" MBP (2.5 i5, 8GB)	03-25-2011, 12:14 AM You sure can but it's not exactly straightforward. Open up Terminal and execute the following: Code: /Applications/<app name.app>/Contents/MacOS/<bin name> & Replace <app name.app> with the app name and <bin name> with the name of the binary in that folder. So, for instance, if I wanted to open up two instances of MacVim, I would execute the following command twice: Code: /Applications/MacVim.app/Contents/MacOS/MacVim & This won't work for all applications for one of two reasons (I can only think of two reasons right now): 1. Not all binaries are named after the application. For instance, the binary for Firefox is called firefox-bin. Most applications are like MacVim above - the bin name is the same as the app bundle. 2. Some applications don't allow multiple instances such as Firefox. Even though you can do this, you're better doing what Raz0rEdge suggested - open multiple windows instead. Important Links: Community Guidelines : Use the reputation system if you've been helped. M-F Blog :: Write for the blog :: M-F IRC Channel - Chats every Sunday at 8PM EST.
	QUOTE Thanks

mareoraft #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 16, 2011 Posts: 10	03-12-2012, 11:32 PM The following is slightly simpler. Let's say I wanted to open the application Preview. Open Terminal, type the command Code: open -na Preview Explanation: The -n option is for "new" or "new instance". The -a option tells your computer you are opening an application, so that the path (usually /Applications/) and the extensions (.app) are no longer needed.
	QUOTE Thanks

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CarpentersKeys #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 24, 2011 Posts: 1	03-24-2011, 05:10 PM Hai, first post. Pretty new to my macbookpro but liking it so. My first mac computer. My question; is it possible to open a second instance of an application to run alongside the original instance or is this something the OS can't do? I've done it multiple times on my previous computer, a linux and I know mac is linux based so I don't see why it wouldn't be possible. Thanks in advance.
	QUOTE Thanks

Raz0rEdge #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 17, 2009 Location: MA Posts: 5,786 Mac Specs: 27" i7 iMac with 16GB RAM and 1TB HDD, iPhone 3G & 4, iPod Nano 16GB, iPod Shuffle, iPad 2 16GB WiFi	03-24-2011, 05:19 PM Mac is not Linux based..it's based on a BSD Kernel..so it's more Unix than Linux..but anyway.. Which application are you trying to run multiple instances of? This might be more a limitation of the application than the OS. The application might be telling you that you already have it running so why are you running a second copy, you can try to open a new window or whatever in the application as opposed to running an entire new instance.. Regards
	QUOTE Thanks

ovbg #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Jun 22, 2010 Posts: 126	03-26-2011, 11:55 PM Some applications do have that option, or at least it appears to have separate instances open. In Finder, go to the menu: File>New Finder Window In Firefox, File>New Window etc. Not all programs have this and you may need the terminal commands provided above.
	QUOTE Thanks

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