I use several apps installed using .dmg files downloaded from other sources rather than direct from the App Store.
When I try to remove them through Launchpad, these apps will not show the X button to allow me to delete them.
On the right: Mac App Store app; On the left: app from external source.
Is there any canonical safety way to remove them?
If I put them in Trash, will they disappear from my Mac without any related directories? How can I completely remove an app?
Best Answer
To remove just the app you can drag it to the trash, use ⌘ cmd+⌫ backspace, or right-click → Move to Trash the app.
To remove the app, its preference files, and other related files, you will need another app along the lines of the free AppCleaner application.
Here is a Lifehacker article titled "The Best App Uninstaller for Mac", which chose AppCleaner as the best uninstaller for the Mac (in 2011).