# AVH FVPs on macOS

## About this Install Guide

| Reading time:      | 15 min        |
|---------------------|--------------|
| Last updated:       | 22 Jun 2026  |

| Author:             | Christopher Seidl, Arm |
|---------------------|-------------------------|
| Official docs:      | [View](https://github.com/Arm-Examples/FVPs-on-Mac/blob/main/README.md) |

This guide shows you how to install and use the tool with the most common configuration. For advanced options and complete reference information, see the official documentation. Some install guides also include optional next steps to help you explore related workflows or integrations.

This guide shows you how to use [Arm Virtual Hardware (AVH) Fixed Virtual Platforms (FVPs)](https://www.arm.com/products/development-tools/simulation/virtual-hardware) on macOS by running them in Docker containers. The [official repository](https://github.com/Arm-Examples/FVPs-on-Mac/blob/main/README.md) provides additional technical details.

## What are the prerequisites for running AVH FVPs on macOS?

[Install Docker Desktop on Mac](https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/mac-install/).

If this is for commercial use, you might require a paid subscription.

## How do I clone the repository?

Open a terminal and set the working directory to the location in which you would like to store the Fast Model. Then run:

```bash
git clone https://github.com/Arm-Examples/FVPs-on-Mac.git
```

This creates the subdirectory `FVPs-on-Mac` in the current working directory.

## How do I build the Docker wrapper for AVH FVPs?

Run the build script to create the Docker image and populate the `bin` folder with model wrappers:

```bash
./build.sh
```

When this completes, inspect the created `bin` folder containing symlinks to `fvp.sh`. These wrappers can be used exactly like any native model executable:

```bash
./bin/FVP_MPS2_Cortex-M3 --version
```

## How do I expose the models to my local environment?

Add `$(pwd)/FVPs-on-Mac/bin` to `PATH` environment:

```bash
export PATH=$PATH:$(pwd)/FVPs-on-Mac/bin
```

Put this to your `~/.zshrc` to make it permanent.

For further information, refer to the [repository’s README.md file](https://github.com/Arm-Examples/FVPs-on-Mac).