Setting Up ShipWorks on a Mac Using VMware Fusion

Even though ShipWorks cannot run directly in the macOS (it's a Windows application) you can install Windows on your Mac computer using VMware Fusion, a third-party virtual machine application. Once Windows is installed, you can install ShipWorks just like you would on any PC running Windows. VMware Fusion allows you to run the Windows Operating System and the macOS simultaneously on a Mac, giving you easy access to both your macOS and Windows based applications. This article will provide you with resources and tips to help you get set up using VMware Fusion running Windows on your Mac.

For more options on how you can run ShipWorks on your Mac computer, check out this article on Running ShipWorks on a Mac.

VMware Fusion is a third party application, requiring you to download and install it onto your Mac. Fusion offers a demo period, at the end of which you will be required to purchase the software in order to continue using it. You will also need, if you haven't already done so, to purchase a valid copy of the Windows Operating System, such as Windows 10.

The first step is to follow VMWare's documentation which will walk you through the process of downloading and installing VMware Fusion on your Mac and with how to install the Windows Operating System within the VMware Fusion virtual machine.

Great! Here are a few hints to help you out. There are a few settings within the Fusion application that may need to be updated in order to run ShipWorks successfully and we will list them for you below.

Allocating Memory (RAM) to the Virtual Machine

We recommend checking the amount of memory allocated to the VMware Fusion virtual machine running Windows. To do so:

1. Click on the Settings icon located at the top corner of the VMware Fusion window.

2. Double-click the Processors & Memory option to open it.

3. Use the Memory slider to allocate as much memory as possible to the virtual machine.

• Depending upon how much installed memory you have in your Mac, allocate as much memory as possible. Four to eight gigabytes is a good starting point. More is even better.

• Keep in mind that the memory you allocate to the virtual machine subtracts from the available memory allocated to the macOS. Be sure to leave enough memory allocated for your Mac to run smoothly.

Turn On the Allow a Different Printer Option

There is printer settings within VMware Fusion that may interfere with how well ShipWorks prints. We recommend:

1. Click on the Settings icon located at the top corner of the VMware Fusion window.

2. Double-click on the Printeroption to open it.

3. Select the Allow a different default printer option.

Disable Using Full Resolution for Retina Displays

Is your Mac running a High-Res display? You will want to disable using full resolution for retina displays in VMware Fusion. Here's how:

1. Click on the Settings icon located at the top corner of the VMware Fusion window.

2. Double-click on the Displayoption to open it.

3. Uncheck the option for Use full resolution for Retina display.

Using Unity Mode

Unity mode in VMware Fusion makes it seem that your Windows applications are running natively within the macOS. With unity mode enabled, you will not have to switch between the VMware window and the macOS. All running Windows applications will display on the Mac desktop and in the application Dock. Here is a screenshot of ShipWorks running on a Mac with unity mode enabled.

With Unity Mode enabled, you can also gain access to the Windows applications form the Dock.

To enable Unity Mode:

1. With the VMware Fusion application selected, click on the View menu and select Unity.

Glad you asked! Now that you can boot Windows using VMware Fusion, you are ready to begin installing and setting up ShipWorks. We have many great articles available to help you get started.

GETTING STARTED