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How to Set Up Lando on macOS

Lando is a powerful local development tool built on Docker that simplifies setting up development environments for web applications like Drupal, WordPress, Laravel, Node.js, and more. If you’re a developer on macOS looking to streamline your workflow, follow this guide to install and configure Lando.

✅ Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

  • macOS 10.15+
  • Admin access to install software
  • Homebrew (optional, but helpful)
  • Docker Desktop (required)

🔧 Step-by-Step Installation

1. Install Docker Desktop

Lando runs on Docker, so it must be installed first.

  • Download Docker for Mac: https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/
  • Open the .dmg file and drag Docker to Applications.
  • Launch Docker from Applications and ensure it’s running in your menu bar.
  • You may be asked to authorize privileged access — approve it.

2. Install Lando

Download the latest Lando installer:

📝 Tip: You can also install via Homebrew:

brew install lando

3. Verify Installation

Open Terminal and run:

lando version

If successful, you’ll see the installed Lando version, e.g.:

Lando version: 3.17.0

🚀 Creating a New Lando Project

1. Create a Project Directory

mkdir my-lando-app
cd my-lando-app

2. Initialize a Lando App

lando init

You’ll be prompted to choose:

  • A recipe (like drupal, wordpress, laravel, lamp, etc.)
  • A name
  • A codebase directory (use . for current)

Example:

? From where should we get your app's codebase? Use the current directory
? What recipe do you want to use? drupal10
? What do you want to call this app? my-lando-site

3. Start Lando

lando start

Lando will:

  • Pull the necessary Docker images
  • Set up your environment
  • Give you URLs for your local site

4. Access Your App

After the build is complete, you’ll see output like:

BOOMSHAKALAKA!!! Your app has started up correctly.
Visit it in your browser: http://my-lando-site.lndo.site

🧪 Common Commands

  • lando start — Starts the app
  • lando stop — Stops the app
  • lando destroy — Deletes the environment
  • lando rebuild — Rebuilds the environment
  • lando ssh — Shell into the container
  • lando drush, lando composer, etc. — Run project-specific tools

🧼 Uninstalling Lando (optional)

To remove Lando:

brew uninstall lando   # if installed with Homebrew
sudo rm -rf /usr/local/bin/lando
sudo rm -rf ~/.lando

Also uninstall Docker Desktop if desired via its Uninstaller.

Lando makes local development easy and repeatable on macOS. With built-in support for popular frameworks and Dockerized environments, it removes the hassle of manual setup and lets you focus on development.

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