XQuartz X11 for Mac

Name: XQuartz X11
Rating: 1.5 (45 reviews)
Author: XQuartz

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XQuartz X11 Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

XQuartz X11 is a vital utility for Mac users, providing an open-source implementation of the X Window System. It allows users to run graphical applications developed for Unix and Linux environments seamlessly on macOS. This software integrates well with the Mac operating system, enabling a wide range of X11 applications to function as if they were native to macOS.

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The program enhances the usability of X11 applications by offering a familiar interface and support for standard protocols. Key features include support for multiple display options, customizable keyboard shortcuts, and clipboard integration between X11 and macOS applications. XQuartz X11 is particularly useful for developers and users who require access to specific graphical applications that rely on the X Window System, making it a significant tool in the Mac utilities landscape.

XQuartz X11 for Mac

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: November 24, 2016

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 2.7.11

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

OS X 10.8
Mac OS X 10.7
OS X 10.9
Mac OS X 10.6
Mac OS X

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 94,188

Downloads Last Week: 0

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User Reviews

1.5/5

45 User Votes

won't let me work with it
melissaIvoryMay 16, 2012
Pros
easy install
Cons
for experienced users
Summary
i got this to go with GIMP, because for some reason the X11 that i thought was working, which has been there since i got my mac, wasn't working any longer for no reason. instead of complaining, i took the effort to find something and stumbled upon this, but at startup, i couldn't understand a thing. started GIMP, nothing happened. i would love if someone can tell me how to get GIMP to work with this, but at this moment, i'm not going to uninstall until i know for certain that it's not worth having.
Seamless, and it works.
jcohnJanuary 22, 2011
Pros
Plugs right in.
Cons
Apple overwrites it.
Summary
Wouldn't be without it.
Only for geeks!
walki_talki_comDecember 20, 2010
Pros
Fewer bugs and more features than the standard X11 server that ships with OS X. If you compile Unix software via fink or macports, you want to install this.
Cons
It is installed as a separate program, instead of overwriting the X11 version that ships with OS X.
Summary
This program is only for geeks who like to compile Unix software from source on their computer. Fink and Macports are the easiest avenues of doing this. This software is not for the average user. I don't understand the 1-star ratings. XQuartz is always less buggy than Apple's official X11 releases. It bears mentioning that XQuartz _IS_ the official Apple X11 windowing server. It's just that Apple integrates updates to X11 very rarely in its OS X updates and releases. So, if you use any software that uses the xwindows system, or if you compile software that build depend on xwindows components, then you need to install XQuartz.
Only for people who know what they're doing.
BosoxManNovember 8, 2010
Pros
It does what it's supposed to do.
Cons
Confusing for newbies and non-programmers. Disabling or uninstalling it are non-trivial exercises; see http://xquartz.macosforge.org/trac/wiki/X11-UsersFAQ
Summary
If you don't know whether or not you need it, you don't need it. Most of the one-star reviews are from people who "gotta have" the latest and greatest of everything, don't know what they're doing, and come here to vent their frustration. If you've got Compulsive Update Syndrome, relax: Apple will eventually incorporate the changes into future OS updates, so you don't have to worry about being "left behind".
You can 'Hide' its alert in CNet TechTracker updater
corrpOctober 31, 2010
Pros
If you understand the difference between Terminal and an xterm, XQuartz is closer to the open source development versions of xorg-server, the environment for X windows, a Unix thing. I needed it for an X11 program (Wireshark) and it works well.
Cons
Today (2010-11-01) I see that CNet TechTracker says the current version 2.5.3 needs updating when it doesn't.
Summary
Since it continues to show up in CTT update alerts, you can 'Hide' or 'Skip' (until next update) and it won't bother you. I mention this because there are so many one-star reviews. You might have installed it for a program that needs X11 and therefore it shows up in the update alerts. For folks that need it, it is great. Most MacOS X users do not.
Solves keyboard issue wirh SGD
NoznavdeSeptember 26, 2010
Pros
The standard X11.app shows a big problem with Sun Global Desktop: no keyboard hit gets through. This XQuartz version solves that rather serious issue - it makes Sun's virtual desktop solution actually usable on a Mac.
Cons
I'm on Leopard, which means XQuartz must be re-installed after a system/securiy update. One star subtracted for that.
Summary
No problems after a full 5 minutes of use ;)
What does it do? Make it go away!
k1d3q9n0September 4, 2010
Pros
Has a nice icon...
Cons
Doesn't OS X already have X windows? What's the point of this thing? Why doesn't it go away when I delete it?
Summary
Can't uninstall it :(
gofigure--2008August 21, 2010
Pros
Not one thing at all, except the advertising promises, but they don';t pan out.
Cons
It does not work at all, despite the recommedations form TechTracker, Version Tracker, and/or other sources. The system owns it, even tho i've changed the permissions/privs, so that i could trash it, it's blocked me from being able to do so.
Summary
Think twice before installing it please. Read what you can find so you understand what it will/won't do. i'm stuck with it being owned by the 'system' ~ i can't launch it, can't delete it. Hope others aren't as disillusioned as i. Guess i've always trusted being able to do 'trials' or use demos to help me decide if an app is my cuppa tea or not. Made a mistake here.... that's for sure.
not compatible with snow leopard :-(
markus.witschi_dotmacMarch 1, 2010
Pros
none none none
Cons
not compatible with snow leopard :-(
Summary
as of many of cnet alerts, also this software is not installable on my system... :-(
Does not install on Mac OS 10.6.2
hkarlinFebruary 21, 2010
Pros
It does not install
Cons
It does not install
Summary
Please update so that it will install on Snow Leopard

Developer’s Description

By XQuartz

Xquartz project's open-source distribution of the X Window System (X11).

The Xquartz project is an open-source effort to develop a version of the X.org X Window System that runs on Mac OS X. Together with supporting libraries and applications, it forms the X11.app that Apple has shipped with OS X since version 10.5. The updates available on this site are not official Apple releases. They are a convenient way for users to stay up to date with progress made in the open source community (in which Apple is participating). Official Apple releases will come from Apple (most likely through OS and Security Updates via Software Update). These updates will likely incorporate many of the changes made in our releases when and if Apple deems them appropriate.

XQuartz X11 for Mac

XQuartz X11 Analysis

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User Reviews

won't let me work with it

Seamless, and it works.

Only for geeks!

Only for people who know what they're doing.

You can 'Hide' its alert in CNet TechTracker updater

Solves keyboard issue wirh SGD

What does it do? Make it go away!

Can't uninstall it :(

not compatible with snow leopard :-(

Does not install on Mac OS 10.6.2

Developer’s Description