How to create a bootable macOS Ventura iso installer for virtualbox & VMware?

Creating a bootable macOS Ventura ISO installer for VirtualBox and VMware involves several steps, including downloading the macOS Ventura installer, creating a DMG container, converting it into a bootable installer, and finally transforming it into an ISO file.

Below, I’ll outline the process using the steps you’ve specified, incorporating the use of gibMacOS (a Python script from the corpnewt GitHub repository) to download macOS Ventura.

Here is a video that describes the process for creating a bootable macOS Ventura ISO installer for VirtualBox and VMware:-

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Step 1: Download macOS Ventura Using gibMacOS

1- Install Python (if not already installed):

• macOS typically comes with Python 2.x, but gibMacOS requires Python 3.x. Check your version:
  python3 --version
• If Python 3 isn’t installed, install it via Homebrew:
  brew install python

2- Download gibMacOS:

• Open Terminal and clone the gibMacOS repository:
  git clone https://github.com/corpnewt/gibMacOS.git
• Navigate to the directory:
  cd gibMacOS

3- Run gibMacOS:

• Execute the script with Python 3:
  python3 gibMacOS.command
• A menu will appear listing available macOS versions. Select macOS Ventura (13.x) by typing its corresponding number (e.g., 5—the exact number depends on the list) and press Enter.
• Choose the full installer (not a delta update) when prompted, typically labeled as “Install macOS Ventura” or similar.
• The script downloads the installer package (.pkg) to the gibMacOS/macOS Downloads/publicrelease/ folder.

4- Extract the Installer:

• Once downloaded, locate the .pkg file (e.g., InstallAssistant.pkg) in the gibMacOS/macOS Downloads/publicrelease/ subdirectory.
• Double-click the .pkg file in Finder to extract it, or use Terminal:
  pkgutil --expand-full "path/to/InstallAssistant.pkg" ~/Desktop/VenturaInstaller
• After extraction, find the Install macOS Ventura.app in ~/Desktop/VenturaInstaller/Applications/ and move it to /Applications:
  mv ~/Desktop/VenturaInstaller/Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app /Applications/

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Step 2: Create and Format DMG Container

1- Open Terminal:

• Launch Terminal from Applications > Utilities.

2- Create a DMG File:

• Run this command to create a 14GB DMG container (Ventura requires at least 12GB, but extra space ensures compatibility):
  hdiutil create -o /tmp/Ventura -size 14000m -volname Ventura -layout SPUD -fs HFS+J
• Explanation:
  • -o /tmp/Ventura: Output file location and name.
  • -size 14000m: 14GB size (adjust if needed, but keep it above 12GB).
  • -volname Ventura: Volume name when mounted.
  • -layout SPUD: Single Partition, Universal Disk.
  • -fs HFS+J: HFS+ filesystem with journaling.

3- Mount the DMG:

• Mount the empty DMG to prepare it for the installer:
  hdiutil attach /tmp/Ventura.dmg -noverify -mountpoint /Volumes/Ventura
• You’ll see the “Ventura” volume appear in Finder or on your Desktop.

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Step 3: Convert the DMG Container into a Bootable Installer

1- Create the Bootable Installer:

• Use the createinstallmedia tool from the Ventura installer app to make the DMG bootable:
  sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Ventura.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Ventura --nointeraction
• Enter your admin password when prompted.
• This process erases the DMG, copies the installer files, and makes it bootable. It may take 10-20 minutes.
• When finished, Terminal will show: “Install media now available at /Volumes/Install macOS Ventura”.

2- Unmount the Volume:

• Eject the mounted volume:
  hdiutil eject -force /Volumes/Install\ macOS\ Ventura

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Step 4: Create the Bootable ISO Installer of macOS 13 Ventura

1- Convert DMG to CDR:

• Convert the bootable DMG to a CDR file (an intermediate step to ISO):
  hdiutil convert /tmp/Ventura.dmg -format UDTO -o ~/Desktop/Ventura
• -format UDTO: Creates a DVD/CD master file (.cdr).
• The output file will be ~/Desktop/Ventura.cdr.

2- Rename CDR to ISO:

• Rename the .cdr file to .iso (this works for VirtualBox/VMware compatibility):
  mv ~/Desktop/Ventura.cdr ~/Desktop/Ventura.iso
• Alternatively, use hdiutil to convert directly to ISO (though the above is simpler):
  hdiutil makehybrid -iso -joliet -o ~/Desktop/Ventura.iso /tmp/Ventura.dmg

3- Clean Up (Optional):

• Remove the temporary DMG:
  rm /tmp/Ventura.dmg

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Verify and Use the ISO

• Check the ISO: The file Ventura.iso should now be on your Desktop, approximately 12-14GB in size.
• Test in VirtualBox/VMware:
• In VirtualBox: Create a new VM, attach Ventura.iso as the startup disk under Storage > Controller: SATA > Optical Drive.
• In VMware: Add the ISO as a CD/DVD drive in the VM settings.
• Boot the VM and follow the macOS installer prompts.
• Storage: Move the ISO to an external drive or cloud storage if you need to free up space.

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Important to know: –

• Requirements:
• You need a Mac with at least 20GB free space (for the download, DMG, and ISO). An internet connection is required for gibMacOS.
• Apple Silicon vs. Intel:
• These steps work on both, but the ISO is primarily for Intel-based VMs. For Apple Silicon VMs (e.g., UTM), a DMG might be preferable—skip the ISO conversion if needed.