Apple changed the underlying structure of macOS system volumes with Big Sur (the Signed System Volume). Creating a bootable drive for modern macOS is now much more complex, and DiskMaker X’s lightweight script-based architecture can no longer keep up.
Is it dead? Yes, for modern macOS. But for those of us still nursing a 2012 MacBook Pro or a classic Mac Pro, this little utility is still a lifesaver.
If you’ve been in the Mac repair or IT space for a while, the name DiskMaker X brings a nostalgic smile. For years, it was the gold standard for turning a simple USB thumb drive into a bootable macOS installer.
With the release of , the developer (Julien Bordet) has delivered what is likely the final, stable version for legacy macOS systems.
Here is everything you need to know about version 7.0.1—and why you should still keep it in your toolkit. DiskMaker X is a free, open-source utility that automates creating bootable macOS installers. While Apple includes the createinstallmedia command in Terminal, DiskMaker X provides a friendly graphical interface.