Downloading QGIS

How to download QGIS and debug malicious software problem, "QGIS can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software error"

June 24, 2026 1 min read

QGIS is a free and open-source desktop GIS software used to create, edit, visualize, analyze, and publish geospatial information on Windows, Mac, Linux, BSD and mobile devices.

How to Download

Visit QGIS.org.
Select Download Now.
Select your desired platform.

Tips

If you have the option between many installer packages, choose Standalone Long Term Release.
To learn your way around the QGIS interface, you can check out these resources:
- Understanding the QGIS Interface
- QGIS Documentation

Installation Troubleshooting on Mac

If you get an error message that Apple can’t check the app for malicious software, instead of double-clicking the icon to open the program, instead try right-clicking, and select Open.
You should only have to do this the first time you open the software. This message is popping up because the app is not available through the app store; it is developed through the open-source GIS community.