Getting Garry’s Mod to run on a Mac used to be a long-winded, frustrating process—full of weird workarounds, command line puzzles, and hope that things wouldn’t break after every update. Thankfully, that’s changing. In this updated 2024 tutorial, we’re diving into the streamlined way to run GMod on macOS using the GMod CF Codec Fix. This guide walks you step by step through the new simplified process. No fluff, just a clean path to getting Garry’s Mod running on your Mac the way it should be.
What’s New: A Streamlined Fix for 2024
The biggest update this year? The developers of the GMod CF Codec Fix have made everything dramatically easier. Instead of dealing with raw executable files, you now download a polished .dmg file ready to go—much more aligned with Mac workflows. This alone saves a huge chunk of setup time and confusion, especially for those who aren’t comfortable tinkering with file permissions or terminal commands.
Step 1: Download the GMod CF Codec Fix
Start by clicking the link provided in the video description. It’ll take you to the official GMod CF Codec Fix page. Once there, scroll down until you find the “Releases” section. Under that, look for the file named:
gmod-cf-codec-fix-dmacOS.dmg
Click to download it. This is the essential tool that’ll fix Garry’s Mod on your system by bypassing the default launcher.
Step 2: Get Garry’s Mod on Steam
If you haven’t already, you’ll need to purchase and install Garry’s Mod from the Steam store. It’s usually priced around $9 but frequently goes on sale for as low as $5. Once you own it, install it into your Steam library.
But here’s where the magic happens—GMod doesn’t natively run 64-bit on Mac, and that’s a problem. So:
- Open Garry’s Mod > Properties > Betas in Steam.
- Select the branch labeled:
x86-64 Chromium + 64-bit binaries
This switches your install to the 64-bit compatible version, which is critical for this fix to work.
Step 3: Apply the Codec Fix
Now, go back to your downloaded .dmg file. Here’s the full process:
- Right-click on gmod-cf-codec-fix-dmacOS.dmg and choose Open.
- Drag the app icon into your Applications folder.
- Once installed, open your Applications folder, find GMod Codec Fix, right-click and hit Open again (this bypasses the Mac Gatekeeper warning).
- Confirm the warning dialog and proceed.
This opens a Terminal window where the fix begins applying itself automatically. It downloads what it needs, applies the required changes, and preps the files for launch. Once it finishes, you’ll see a message confirming the codec fix was applied successfully.
Step 4: Launching GMod Correctly
This part is very important: Do not launch Garry’s Mod through Steam.
Doing so will undo the codec fix and essentially break the whole setup, requiring you to repeat the process. Instead:
- Open GMod through the GMod Codec Fix app you installed earlier.
- You can make this easier by creating a shortcut: right-click the GMod Codec Fix in Applications, choose Make Alias, and drag the alias to your desktop.
That shortcut will now work like a normal app icon and let you launch GMod whenever you want.
Extra Notes & Final Tips
- Once you’ve moved the .dmg contents to Applications, you can safely delete the original .dmg file.
- You’ll also see a mounted volume from the codec fix. Just right-click it and choose Eject after installation.
- Once launched correctly, Garry’s Mod will run fully featured: multiplayer, mod support, workshop content—it’s all there. No limitations compared to the Windows version.
- Performance is solid, and most players report a smooth experience once everything is in place.
Conclusion
Mac users rejoice: Garry’s Mod is no longer locked behind compatibility issues and patchy workarounds. With the updated Codec Fix and 64-bit support, setting up GMod on macOS is easier than ever. You get full access to everything—servers, mods, addons, multiplayer—and all it takes is a few simple steps.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like and subscribe to stay up to date with the latest Mac gaming tutorials. Keep gaming, keep exploring, and now you can do it all on your Mac.




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