How to Install Multiple Versions of Xcode on Your Mac

Are you experiencing issues with your Xcode installation or do you need to use a specific version for a project? Installing multiple versions of Xcode is possible, and we'll guide you through the process in this article.

'install multiple xcode versions mac'

Before you begin, it's essential to understand that having multiple installations of Xcode can be confusing. Each version will have its own Command Line Tools (CLT) installation, which might lead to issues if not managed properly. Therefore, it's crucial to keep track of the different CLT installations on your system.

To start, open Terminal and use the `xcode-select` command to identify the current version of Xcode:

```

sudo xcode-select -switch /Library/Developer/CommandLineTools/

```

You can also check the version by running:

```

pkgutil --pkg-info=_Executables | grep version

```

To switch to a different version, use `xcode-select` with the `-s` option and provide the path to the desired Xcode installation. For example:

```

sudo xcode-select -s /Users//Applications/Xcode.app

```

You can also select the Command Line Tools (CLT) from within Xcode itself. Go to Xcode > Preferences > Locations, where you'll find a list of available CLTs and their corresponding paths.

If you want to download a specific version of Xcode as a `.xip` file, you can do so by visiting the Apple Developer website and downloading the desired version. Once downloaded, extract the contents using `xip -expand`.

```

xip -expand /Applications/Xcode_13.2.1.xip

```

Keep in mind that updating to a newer CLT release might be necessary, as indicated by a warning message. You can do this by deleting the older version and installing the latest one.

If you're experiencing issues with `brew` complaining about Xcode or Command Line Tools, following these steps should resolve the problem.

In conclusion, managing multiple versions of Xcode on your Mac requires some care and attention to detail. By understanding how `xcode-select` and CLTs work together, you can easily switch between different versions of Xcode and keep your system organized.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for official Apple documentation or professional advice.

Install multiple xcode versions mac