Installing and Launching
Downloading PhpStorm
You can download the latest version of PhpStorm from the JetBrains website. (There are the versions for Windows, macOS and Linux.)
Earlier versions are available on the Previous PhpStorm Releases page.
Installing PhpStorm
The installation process depends on your operating system:
Installing PhpStorm on Windows
Run the .exe file that you've downloaded, and follow the instructions of PhpStorm Setup wizard.
Installing PhpStorm on macOS
Open the .dmg package that you've downloaded, and drag PhpStorm to the Applications folder.
Installing PhpStorm on Linux
Unpack the .tar.gz archive that you've downloaded, into any desired installation location. The whole process is described below:
- Unpack the
PhpStorm-*.tar.gzfile to a different folder, if your current "Download" folder doesn't support file execution:tar xfz PhpStorm-*.tar.gz -C <new_archive_folder>The recommended install location according to the filesystem hierarchy standard (FHS) is
/opt. For example, it's possible to enter the following command:sudo tar xf PhpStorm-*.tar.gz -C /opt/ - Switch to the
bindirectory:For example,cd <new archive folder>/PhpStorm-*/bincd opt/PhpStorm-*/bin
Launching PhpStorm
Since 2016.1 PhpStorm uses Java 1.8. If you wish to change JDK PhpStorm is running on, use the action Switch boot JDK. To invoke this action, use Searching Everywhere or Find Action.
Importing preferences from a previous version
When you start PhpStorm for the first time, the Complete Installation dialog opens, and you have an option of importing PhpStorm usage preferences and license information from a previous version.
Select one of the following options and click OK.
- I want to import my settings from a previous version (<path>). If this option is present in the dialog, the directory that contains the PhpStorm settings and license information is found at its default location. (The corresponding path is shown within the option name in parentheses.) Most likely, this is the option that you want.
- I want to import my settings from a custom location. You may have the directory with the settings and license information available but not at its default location. If the option discussed above is missing, PhpStorm doesn't know where this directory is; the path initially shown in the field is just a guess, and there's no guarantee that the necessary folder is really there. To import the settings in this case, you can specify the folder with the settings (if you know where it is), or an installation folder of the previous PhpStorm version. To do that, click
and select the folder in the dialog that opens. - I do not have a previous version of PhpStorm or I do not want to import my settings. If this is your case, select this option.
Managing PhpStorm through Toolbox App
Toolbox App is an control panel that allows you to manage all JetBrains developer tools, as well as your projects, from a single point of access. It lets you maintain different versions of the same tool, install updates and roll them back if needed. It also remembers your JetBrains Account and uses it to automatically log you in when you install and register new tools.
To install Toolbox App, follow these steps:
- Download Toolbox App.
- Launch the file you've downloaded.
- When the installation is complete, accept the JetBrains privacy policy and sign in to your JetBrains Account.
