Today I will introduce you to the Python tool PyInstaller and present my application created with it. PyInstaller is used to turn Python files, such as .py files, into application files like .exe on Windows, Linux binary files on Linux and ChromeOS, and UNIX executable files on Mac.

Why make Python files into applications?

  • Applications can be run just by clicking on them.
  • They can run on computers without Python installed.
  • Your code cannot be easily viewed or edited by users.
  • GUI applications can run without opening too many windows.

Installing PyInstaller

First, install PyInstaller like a Python module or library.

  1. Go to Terminal, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.
  2. Type pip install pyinstaller. If the terminal does not recognize pip, use the separate pip troubleshooting guide.

(pip3 might also work, and this can work for MacOS or Linux too.)

Turning a Python file into an app

Next, you need a Python file. Just write a simple program with very few lines. If you want the output to stay open, because it usually closes as soon as the program is over, type this as the last line: 

input("Press Enter/Return to close")
Terminal example showing an input prompt that keeps a Python app open

Save the file in Downloads. Open a new terminal, then move into Downloads: 

cd Downloads

Then run PyInstaller with --onefile and your filename: 

pyinstaller --onefile yourfilename.py
Terminal example showing the pyinstaller onefile command

After the processing is done, usually within about 15 seconds, it will give you the location of your .exe file. If your antivirus deletes your file, which can happen because unsigned executable files look suspicious, use --onedir instead of --onefile and run your application from the folder.

My Teeth Chart App

In mid-2026, I had to get a milk tooth pulled out due to a bud problem. During the dentist visit, I wondered how to solve a problem that popped up now and then. My family and I could not always remember which of our teeth were deciduous, permanent, or wisdom teeth. So I had an idea: I would make an app for marking teeth virtually.

With around 15 to 20 prompts with ChatGPT, I got my desired code with full features:

  • Marking teeth with options: Permanent, Milk, Wisdom, Not Yet Erupted, Fake, and Empty.
  • Labelling teeth as Wobbly, Filled, Cavity, or Painful/Sensitive.
  • Marking gum spaces as Fulfilled, Tooth, and Empty.
  • Importing and exporting charts so other people can view them.
  • Adding notes for all of your teeth.
  • Seeing the history of your teeth.
  • Having multiple charts stored locally with high simplicity.
Teeth Chart App interface showing tooth and gum space options

Download the app

You can download the app for MacOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android, or a ChromeOS laptop—or download the Python file and check the code if you are suspicious.

MacOS .dmg MacOS .pkg Installer Download pkg-dmg Mac + Windows Installer (.iso) Windows .exe Executable Windows .exe Native App Installer Windows .msi Installer Linux AppImage / DEB Python Source Script iPad .ipa iPhone .ipa Android .apk ChromeOS Desktop .apk

Windows may show a security warning because this is an unsigned app. On Mac, you may need to allow the unsigned executable in Privacy & Security.

Install with Homebrew

If you do not have Homebrew already, install it first: 

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

Then install Teeth Chart App:

brew tap nithilanvivek/teethchartapp
brew trust nithilanvivek/teethchartapp
brew install --cask teethchartapp

Third-party notices

Python is licensed under the Python Software Foundation License. Copyright (c) Python Software Foundation and contributors. See LICENSE or THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES for details.

When you turn this into an .exe with PyInstaller, the command line will be slightly different: 

pyinstaller --windowed --onedir TeethChartApp.py

We use --windowed to show that this is a GUI, or graphical user interface, application and that a terminal window should not be opened every time you run it.