What macOS Versions Does MacVim Require?

Updated

MacVim's current release requires macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later. If you are running macOS 10.9 through 10.12, you cannot use the current build — you need to download an older version instead. The official site also offers pre-release beta builds and other versions for users who want to test upcoming changes or need a specific release.

Version requirements at a glance

macOS version What to download
macOS 10.13 or later Current MacVim release (r183)
macOS 10.9 – 10.12 Older version via the dedicated download link
Any supported version (testing) Pre-release beta builds or other versions

The current release listed on the site is r183, and the requirement note applies directly to that build.

How to check your macOS version

  1. Open the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
  2. Choose About This Mac.
  3. Read the version number in the window that appears (for example, "10.13" or "14.5").

If the number is 10.13 or higher, the current MacVim download will run on your machine. If it falls between 10.9 and 10.12, use the older-version link on the site rather than the main download button.

Where to get each build

  • Current release: the main download link on macvim.org, which points to release r183.
  • Older versions (10.9–10.12): a separate download link provided on the same page.
  • Pre-release beta and other versions: a dedicated page linked from the site for beta builds and alternate releases.

Other resources on the site

Beyond downloads, the MacVim page links to:

  • Release notes for the current build, so you can see what changed.
  • GitHub (the MacVim GitHub page) for source and issue tracking.
  • Documentation for usage details.
  • FAQ, Troubleshooting, and Debugging pages for solving common problems and generating debug logs.

MacVim is maintained by macvim-dev, and the site itself is generated with GitHub Pages.

Quick decision guide

  • You're on macOS 10.13 or newer: download the current release (r183) directly.
  • You're on macOS 10.9–10.12: skip the main download and use the older-version link.
  • You want to test unreleased changes: grab a pre-release beta build.
  • You hit problems after installing: start with the Troubleshooting page, then generate a debug log if needed.