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What is macpass?

macpass/macpass — explained in plain English

Analysis updated 2026-06-24

★ 6,848Objective-CAudience · generalComplexity · 2/5LicenseSetup · easy

In one sentence

MacPass is a native macOS password manager that reads and writes KeePass-format encrypted databases, letting you share one password vault with KeePass apps on Windows, Android, and iOS.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((repo))
    What it does
      KeePass file format
      Native macOS UI
      Auto-type login
    Cross-platform
      Windows KeePass
      Android iOS apps
      Shared vault file
    Setup
      GitHub releases
      Build from source
      Xcode and Carthage
    License
      GPL v3
      Not on App Store
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What do people build with it?

USE CASE 1

Store and organize passwords in an encrypted KeePass database on macOS with a native app that feels at home on the platform.

USE CASE 2

Share a KeePass password vault across macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS by syncing the database file via iCloud, Dropbox, or similar.

USE CASE 3

Use the auto-type feature to fill in login credentials for websites and apps without manually copying and pasting.

USE CASE 4

Build and customize MacPass from source using Xcode to contribute bug fixes or new features.

What is it built with?

Objective-CXcodeCarthage

How does it compare?

macpass/macpassblockskit/blockskitfacebookarchive/xctool
Stars6,8486,8386,873
LanguageObjective-CObjective-CObjective-C
Setup difficultyeasyeasymoderate
Complexity2/52/52/5
Audiencegeneraldeveloperdeveloper

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you get it running?

Difficulty · easy Time to first run · 5min

Not on the Mac App Store due to GPL v3 incompatibility, download directly from the GitHub releases page.

You can use and modify this software freely, but any distribution of modified versions must also be released as open source under the same GPL v3 terms.

So what is it?

MacPass is a password manager for macOS that reads and writes files in the KeePass format. KeePass is a widely used open standard for storing passwords in an encrypted database file, and the same file can be opened by KeePass-compatible apps on Windows, Android, iOS, and other platforms. MacPass provides a native macOS experience for working with those files, rather than running the Windows version of KeePass through a compatibility layer. The application lets you store passwords, usernames, URLs, and notes in an organized, encrypted database. You unlock the database with a master password or key file. MacPass supports an auto-type feature that can fill in login credentials for websites and applications without you manually copying and pasting. Pre-built downloads are available from the GitHub releases page. The project also publishes a continuously updated build for users who want the latest changes, though that version may be less stable. MacPass requires macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or later. For those who want to build the application from source, the repository provides step-by-step instructions using Xcode and a dependency manager called Carthage. Because MacPass is licensed under the GNU General Public License version 3, it cannot be distributed through the Mac App Store. The Free Software Foundation has explained why the GPLv3 and App Store terms are incompatible, and the README links to that explanation. The project is open source and accepts contributions for bug fixes, features, and localization. MacPass was created as a response to the lack of a polished, native macOS KeePass client. The README notes that running KeePass through the Mono compatibility layer on macOS felt out of place and was missing important features.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
Help me set up MacPass with a KeePass database file stored in iCloud Drive so I can open the same vault on my Mac and iPhone using KeePass Touch.
Prompt 2
Show me how to configure MacPass auto-type to fill a two-step login form where the username and password appear on separate pages.
Prompt 3
Walk me through building MacPass from source on macOS step by step, including installing Carthage dependencies and opening it in Xcode.
Prompt 4
Help me write a script that exports my Apple Keychain passwords to a KeePass XML file I can import into MacPass.

Frequently asked questions

What is macpass?

MacPass is a native macOS password manager that reads and writes KeePass-format encrypted databases, letting you share one password vault with KeePass apps on Windows, Android, and iOS.

What language is macpass written in?

Mainly Objective-C. The stack also includes Objective-C, Xcode, Carthage.

What license does macpass use?

You can use and modify this software freely, but any distribution of modified versions must also be released as open source under the same GPL v3 terms.

How hard is macpass to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated easy, with roughly 5min to a first successful run.

Who is macpass for?

Mainly general.

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