dux comes in two versions: one from the Mac App Store and a direct download from this site. Both are free, both have Pro, and both scan, explain and clean up the same way.
The short answer: if you just want to see where your space went and clean up safely, get dux from the Mac App Store. If you use Homebrew, Xcode or Terminal, or you manage Macs for an organization, get the direct download.
What is the same
- The complete free app: scanning, the sunburst, treemap and list, suggestions with safety levels, duplicates, cleanup with the review sheet, and Undo.
- Pro: full history, scheduled scans, the menu bar extra, bulk cleanups, APFS clones for duplicates and your own rules.
- Removing downloaded copies of iCloud Drive files and other cloud files.
- Privacy: nothing leaves your Mac, in either version.
What is different
Apple requires every Mac App Store app to run in a sandbox: a closed room where an app can only open what you hand it, and cannot start other programs. That is good for safety, and it is the reason for the differences below. The direct download is notarized by Apple, but runs outside that sandbox.
| Mac App Store | Direct download | |
|---|---|---|
| Which folders dux reads | The disks and folders you pick, once | Your whole Mac, with Full Disk Access |
| Cleanups that use a tool, such as Homebrew’s cleanup or removing old Xcode simulators | Not available | Available, after you review them |
| Time Machine snapshots and disk details from macOS tools | Not shown | Shown |
| Extra details from Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive settings | Not available | Available |
The dux command line tool | Not available | Included |
| Business (managed settings, fleet reporting) | Not available | Included |
| How you buy Pro | In the app, with your Apple Account | A license key from this site |
| Updates | Through the App Store | dux updates itself |
Bought Pro in the App Store? It works in the direct download too
You never pay twice. If you bought Pro in the Mac App Store version and later want the direct download, dux recognizes your App Store purchase on the same Mac:
- Open the App Store version once after buying Pro (or after Restore Purchases). That leaves a record of your purchase on your Mac for the direct download to find. Keep it installed until step 3.
- Download dux from the download page and open it.
- The direct download finds your App Store purchase, sets up a license key for you and shows Pro. There is nothing to type and no account to create. Your key is in Settings, should you ever need it, for example when you write to support. If you like, dux can also email it to you; that is optional. Offline? Pro shows right away and dux sets up the key the next time your Mac is online. Pro from the App Store purchase works for 14 days without a key, so let dux go online once within that time.
- You can now remove the App Store version if you like. Pro stays on.
Your purchase stays with your Apple Account, and the key follows it. Pay once keeps working for good. A yearly App Store plan keeps working while it renews, also after you remove the App Store version. Moving to the direct download on another Mac gives you the same key again. To set up the key, dux briefly contacts usedux.app with the purchase details from Apple; nothing about your files is sent.
It does not work the other way around: a license key bought on this site only works in the direct download, because Apple does not allow App Store apps to accept keys sold elsewhere.
Questions
Can I have both versions on one Mac? Yes, but there is no reason to. Pick one, and remove the other once Pro shows up.
Do I lose my scans and history when I switch? No. The first time you open the direct download, it offers to bring over your scans, history, exclusions and Activity from the App Store version. Do that before you remove the App Store version.
Is the direct download safe? Yes. It is signed with our Developer ID and notarized by Apple, so macOS checks it before it opens. Like the App Store version, it never moves a file before you review it.
I bought Business. Business only runs in the direct download, because Apple’s volume purchasing does not include in-app purchases. See Business.