Illustration for How To Setup DDEV on MacOS

Here’s how to set up DDEV on macOS for local web development (e.g., Drupal, WordPress, Laravel):

Step-by-Step DDEV Setup on macOS

1. Install Homebrew (if not installed)

Open Terminal and run:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

2. Install Docker Desktop

DDEV relies on Docker. Download and install it:

Visit: https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop
Install and start Docker Desktop
Confirm it’s running: You should see the Docker whale icon in the menu bar.

3. Install DDEV via Homebrew

brew install ddev

Verify installation:

ddev version

4. Create Your Project Folder

mkdir mysite
cd mysite

(Optional) If you’re using a CMS like Drupal, clone your repo or install CMS here.

5. Start DDEV Project

ddev config

You’ll be prompted for:

Project name
Project type (e.g., drupal10, wordpress, laravel, etc.)
Docroot location (usually web/ or htdocs/)
Project URL (defaults to https://<project>.ddev.site)

Example answers for a Drupal 10 site:

Project name: mysite
Project type: drupal10
Docroot: web

6. Start DDEV and Install CMS

ddev start

If using Drupal:

ddev composer create drupal/recommended-project

Or import existing site files and database.

7. Access Site

Once started, DDEV shows the local site and admin URLs, e.g.:

https://mysite.ddev.site

8. Useful DDEV Commands

ddev stop            # Stop the project
ddev restart         # Restart the project
ddev ssh             # SSH into the container
ddev import-db       # Import a database
ddev launch          # Open the site in your browser