IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA is JetBrains' integrated development environment for Java and Kotlin. It combines code understanding, navigation, refactoring, debugging and project tools for students, application developers and professional JVM teams. Ultimate subscription features extend the same installation with advanced framework, database and development tooling.

Features

• Navigate, complete and refactor Java and Kotlin code.
• Run applications, inspect execution with a debugger and work with tests.
• Manage JVM projects with Maven or Gradle integration.
• Review code changes and use integrated version-control workflows.
• Develop framework-based applications with tools available for the chosen feature set.
• Use database, HTTP client and other integrated tools where your subscription permits.

Unified distribution and Ultimate

Since version 2025.3, Community Edition and Ultimate downloads have become one IntelliJ IDEA installer and update stream. The recorded Cask still carries the name IntelliJ IDEA Ultimate, but installing it does not buy or activate an Ultimate subscription. Core Java and Kotlin functionality remains free, including commercial use. An initial 30-day Ultimate trial is offered; afterward you can subscribe for advanced features or keep using the free feature set in the same application. You do not need to replace the installation when the trial or subscription expires.

Feature availability changes with releases. Consult JetBrains' current comparison matrix for the exact free and Ultimate split rather than treating every bundled tool as free. Marketplace plugins and AI services may have separate licenses, accounts, subscriptions or usage limits; the IDE download is not an unlimited entitlement to those services.

Installation and first use

Install on Mac with brew install --cask intellij-idea, download the appropriate official Intel or Apple Silicon DMG, or use JetBrains Toolbox. With the DMG, mount it and drag IntelliJ IDEA.app into Applications. Launch the app, accept the applicable terms and open an existing project or create a new one. Choose the project SDK and allow the IDE to import the build configuration before running or debugging code.

JetBrains Runtime is bundled, so installing Java separately is not required merely to launch the IDE. Java application development needs a standalone project JDK; dependencies and build tooling depend on the project. The recorded Cask declares no additional formula dependency and conflicts with intellij-idea@eap. Choose a single installation method for an instance to keep version management clear.

Requirements and platforms

The official 2026.2 installation guide lists macOS 15 and 26, Windows 10 and 11, and specified Linux distributions. Mac downloads are separate for Intel and Apple Silicon. JetBrains specifies a four-core x86_64 or arm64 CPU, 8 GB total RAM with 3 GB available to IDE processes, 10 GB disk space and a 1280 x 720 display. Larger projects and their SDKs need additional resources.

The stored Cask metadata still enumerates older Mac platforms without a minimum constraint; this is package-manager metadata, not a guarantee that JetBrains supports current releases on those systems. Use the official support requirements for the selected release. The 2026.2.3 Apple Silicon DMG is 1,531,497,578 bytes according to JetBrains' release API, matching the recorded package size. Intel and other-platform download sizes differ.

Accounts, cost and license

The free feature set can continue after the trial. Paid Ultimate features require a valid entitlement; eligible students, teachers and other users may qualify for special access programs. Activation can use a JetBrains Account, an offline activation code or an organisation's license server/License Vault. Online account activation needs access to JetBrains' service. Consult current pricing for your region, billing period and eligibility.

The downloadable unified application is governed by JetBrains' product terms and includes third-party components. It should not be described as an entirely Apache-licensed Ultimate application: the separately maintained open-source core can be built from the intellij-community repository, while subscription capabilities and bundled components have their own terms.

The screenshot is an official website demonstration of Java HTTP endpoint actions. It is illustrative and does not establish a specific version or Mac appearance.

Sources: Product overview, Unified product, Install and requirements, Activation, Pricing and feature comparison, Unified distribution FAQ, Product agreements, Open-source core.