Parall

Parall is a multi-instance app launcher for macOS that creates independent shortcuts to supported applications already installed on a Mac. Each instance can have its own name and Dock icon, plus separate accounts, settings and data folders where the original app allows it. Unlike making duplicate app bundles, Parall launches the original app without modifying its files or code signature.

Separate sessions and customized launchers

• Run supported apps such as Chrome, Claude, Cursor and OBS side by side. Separate storage paths can keep work, personal or client sessions apart where supported.
• Customize shortcut names, Dock icons and labels, optional icon effects, appearance modes and menu bar controls.
• Set environment variables, command-line arguments and advanced Info.plist overrides for individual launchers.
• Create WebKit-based website shortcuts with their own web data paths, plus Dock shortcuts for files, folders and terminal commands.

Compatibility and practical limitations

Support varies by target app: some applications cannot run concurrently or keep their data separate. Parall maintains a manually tested compatibility list; WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams, for example, use web app shortcuts rather than separate copies of their desktop apps. Web app shortcuts do not support passkeys.

When running a shortcut alongside the original app, open the original first. Certain browser-based sign-ins require other instances to be closed temporarily and Safari to be the default browser. Existing shortcuts may need to be edited and saved again after Parall updates to receive launcher fixes.

Parall supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs running macOS 10.11 or later. It works locally without automatic telemetry or background daemons; the optional compatibility-settings download contacts the developer's server. Parall costs $9.99 as a one-time purchase in the US Mac App Store, with regional prices varying.