How to Install Legacy Java SE 6 Runtime on MacOS

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on July 22, 2021
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

If you are trying to launch any Adobe CS6 or CS5 programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.) on OS X Yosemite or later, you will most likely face a problem. After double-clicking on some of Adobe’s apps, a message pops up informing you that to open the app you need to install the legacy Java SE 6 runtime.

Besides the Adobe CS5 and CS6 packages, other apps require Java SE 6 Runtime. (Eclipse, PDF Studio 9, FileMaker Pro Advanced, Patch Tool, Dreamweaver, even the famous game Minecraft.)

This problem occurs because these apps (Adobe CS5, CS5, etc.) are relying on Java 6. Mac OS X Yosemite (and the newer versions) are having a later version of Java Runtime (SE 8.0). However, Java Runtime is not backward compatible. So, even when the operating system have installed Java Runtime 8, it will NOT run apps that rely on Java Runtime 6. Here is how to get Java 6 on your Mac.

Install Legacy Java SE 6: Method #1

Note: You can have both Java SE 8 and Java SE6 installed on your computer without any issues. And, you DO NOT need to uninstall SE 8 and then install SE 6.

  1. When the pop-up window appears on your screen (telling you to install the legacy Java 6 runtime), click on the More Info
  2. Now, an Apple Support site will load up giving you further instructions how to get the Java 6 runtime.
  3. Follow these instructions and download the Java Runtime 6 installer to your Mac.
  4. Once you have it done, double–click the .dmg file to launch the installer.
  5. Follow the onscreen instructions to finish the installation.

Install Legacy Java SE 6: Method #2

If the previous method didn’t work, try the following.

  1. Go to the following link https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1572?locale=en_US
    If that link doesn’t work, try this direct link http://download.info.apple.com/Mac_OS_X/031-03190.20140529.Pp3r4/JavaForOSX2014-001.dmg
  1. Download the Java SE 6 for OSX (click the Download button)
  2. Once the download finishes, install the dmg file following the onscreen instructions.

When you have Java Runtime 6 installed on your Mac, you can launch Adobe CS5 (or any other app that require Java 6 runtime).

Note: You DO NOT need to restart your Mac before launching the app.

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on July 22, 2021
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer
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Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.