I shipped v1.0.5 of Parall, a macOS utility I built that creates isolated shortcut bundles which launch apps as independent instances. This release adds a single technical change that materially expands what the app can do. A far more capable HOME directory override. It now works with the majority of macOS apps.
With the app you get
- True, per-instance data separation for many apps that previously shared profiles.
- Unlimited simultaneous instances that behave like separate installations.
- Ability to set env vars and command-line args per shortcut and pin multiple custom Dock icons that each run the same app with different data.
Tested apps in this build (full support verified):
FreeCAD, Blender, Opera, Tor Browser, Qt Creator, FileMaker Pro, Git Tower, Telegram Desktop, Viber, Discord, Dropbox, OBS, KiCad, Plex, Spotify, Sublime Text, Sublime Merge, LightBurn.
Concrete examples
- Run multiple Dropbox clients with different accounts and sync different folders simultaneously.
- Run multiple Discord/Viber/Telegram Desktop instances, each logged into a different account.
- Pin multiple Dock icons for the same app. Each icon launches an isolated instance with its own profile and icon.
IGHOR•7h ago
With the app you get - True, per-instance data separation for many apps that previously shared profiles. - Unlimited simultaneous instances that behave like separate installations. - Ability to set env vars and command-line args per shortcut and pin multiple custom Dock icons that each run the same app with different data.
Tested apps in this build (full support verified): FreeCAD, Blender, Opera, Tor Browser, Qt Creator, FileMaker Pro, Git Tower, Telegram Desktop, Viber, Discord, Dropbox, OBS, KiCad, Plex, Spotify, Sublime Text, Sublime Merge, LightBurn.
Concrete examples - Run multiple Dropbox clients with different accounts and sync different folders simultaneously. - Run multiple Discord/Viber/Telegram Desktop instances, each logged into a different account. - Pin multiple Dock icons for the same app. Each icon launches an isolated instance with its own profile and icon.