How To Solve [App Name] Can't Be Opened Because It Is From An Unidentified Developer - OS X Tip

Mac App Store icon

When trying to install a application on a Mac that you downloaded from the internet, you may run into a pop up message that says; "[App Name] can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer." This is a security feature of OS X to prevent unwanted and possible malware software from installing onto your computer. 

It is always best to just download software from the Mac App Store or from identified developers. However, there is some occasions where you may want to install an application that isn't from the Mac App Store. But remember, by switching off this security measure, you are installing the app at your own risk. So, only install apps from sources and developers that you trust!

To install an application that isn't from a identified developer or from the Mac App Store, you'll need to:

1. Open System Preferences.

2. Then click Security & Privacy.

3. Press the lock in the bottom left corner and enter your password so you can make changes.

4. Then under the heading "Allow apps downloaded from", choose the option "Anywhere".

You can now install the application. After installing the app, it'd be best to head back into Security & Privacy and changing the option back to either only Mac App Store or Mac App Store and identified developers.