Docker Engine on macOS
Run and manage containers with Docker Engine seamlessly on macOS.
Docker Engine · macOS · Homebrew install
Docker containers for macOS.
A Docker Desktop alternative for macOS with container IP access, volume mounts, lightweight performance, and container debugging.
Install Licobox with Homebrew
$ brew install licobox/licobox-tap/licobox 
Fast startup
Up and running Docker Engine in seconds.
Container access via domain or IP
Access containers directly through domain or IP and reduce host port mapping clutter. Learn More
Lightweight and dynamic memory
Minimal idle CPU usage with dynamic memory and disk usage. Running around 0.2-0.5% on idle (on M3 Air).
Container debugging
Inspect and troubleshoot containers with built-in utilities for slim or distroless images.
Volume Mounts on macOS
View and manage container volumes directly from macOS Finder without digging through container internals. Learn More
Running Docker Engine
Run Docker Engine on macOS and get containers up and running in seconds, published ports forwarded automatically.
- Fast startup, up and running in 3–4 seconds
- Direct container access by IP or domain
- Built-in container debugging
terminal
Container access via domain
Every running container gets a local domain, so you can open services without tracking host ports.
- No host port mapping to remember
- Works for standalone containers and Compose services
terminal
Debug Container
Inspect running containers without adding tools to the image. Licobox Debug attaches a shell with coreutils, htop, curl, and more — even for slim or distroless containers.
- Works on slim and distroless images
- Install extra tools with pkgbox, persisted only in Licobox
- Container files stay untouched at /container
terminal
Volume Mounts on macOS
Mount Docker volumes directly into macOS and browse them from Finder.
- Inspect, copy, and edit container data
- No digging through container internals
FAQ
Common Questions
What is Licobox?
Licobox is a Linux container runtime with Docker Engine for macOS, designed to run and manage containers locally.
How do I install Licobox?
Install it with Homebrew using: brew install licobox/licobox-tap/licobox.
Is Licobox free?
Yes. Licobox is free to download and use for Docker container usage and local development. Advanced workflows such as container access via IP, container debugging, and volume mounts to macOS are available in the Pro plan.
How is it different from Docker Desktop?
Licobox is an alternative to Docker Desktop for running Docker Engine and Linux containers on macOS, with features like automatic port forwarding, direct container access, dynamic resource, container debugging, and easy access to Docker volumes from Finder.