Relocating Apps purchased in Mac App Store

MYmacROX · Jan 6, 2011

...or as I like to call it the MAppS.

Anyways, I just purchased Angry Birds from the App Store on my MBP. It automatically places it in Applications Folder. I like to keep all my games in my *ta-daa* Game folder (located in the directory that is my actual name). I went to move it and Finder popped up a message asking for my Apple ID password to authorize the move. I canceled because that made me wonder if it was smart/safe to move it. When there are future updates to the App, will it be found if it isn't in the location it was originally installed in? Hmm...

IvanLasston · Jan 6, 2011

I just moved it as it recognized I had other stuff installed like iWork (in its own iWork folder) but I figured I would try putting my downloads into directories like games. If anything went wrong I would just move it back. (hopefully) So far everything is still working but nothing has been updated yet.

MYmacROX · Jan 6, 2011

Yeah, but that's exactly what I'm thinking towards is future updates. The description for Angry Birds in the MAppS said there will be additional levels in the future too. :/

DavidHH · Jan 7, 2011

I made a FIle Folder on the Desktop named "Games".
I left the Games in the Application Folder then created alias's for the apps and put them into the Games Folder on the Desktop.

This allows you to keep the Apps in the Applications Folder in case any updates are looking for them but gives you the connivence of collecting them into one folder.

DavidH

chscag · Jan 7, 2011

I'm going along with MYmacROX and just leave them where they were installed to - the applications folder. You can bet that is probably where they'll be looked for when updates are ready to be installed.

You would "think" the App Store updater (or whatever it's called) could look in: MacIntosh HD\Library\Receipts and find out what it needs there. Not so sure that's what it will do. Anyway, I suspect if it doesn't find the app where it's supposed to be, it'll give an error and won't download.

However, that shouldn't stop us from manually downloading updates.

Lifeisabeach · Jan 9, 2011

MYmacROX said:
...or as I like to call it the MAppS.

Anyways, I just purchased Angry Birds from the App Store on my MBP. It automatically places it in Applications Folder. I like to keep all my games in my *ta-daa* Game folder (located in the directory that is my actual name). I went to move it and Finder popped up a message asking for my Apple ID password to authorize the move. I canceled because that made me wonder if it was smart/safe to move it. When there are future updates to the App, will it be found if it isn't in the location it was originally installed in? Hmm...

I keep my apps sorted as well, and moved one of my App Store games to my Games subfolder. The App Store continues to recognize it as installed. So it "should" be ok to move it and not miss out on updates. Worst thing that can happen is that you'll have to move it back out temporarily to get an update, but I suspect it's more likely you'd simply wind up the new version in /Applications and the old left in the subfolder. Regardless, you can re-download anything you've ever bought without paying again.

Slydude · Jan 9, 2011

I have some things such as games in subfolders in the Applications folder. Rather than uses a folder of Aliases I am thinking of using Smart Folders as subfolders for organization. Any comments.suggestions would be appreciated. That should avoid any potential problems with moving the apps.

IvanLasston · Feb 2, 2011

Just upgraded a few apps - seems to upgrade where I put it - so everything in /Applications/Games updated and stayed there. So it seems you can move it into folders if you want.

Relocating Apps purchased in Mac App Store

MYmacROX

IvanLasston

MYmacROX

DavidHH

chscag

Well-known member

Lifeisabeach

Slydude

Well-known member

IvanLasston

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