What is the fastest/easiest way - step by step, from the beginning - to “code sign” my Qt app on OS X so that it can be distributed?

Question

I am writing a cross-platform app in Qt (using Qt Creator). One of the target platforms is OS X.

The application is being packaged for installation on OS X by using

Answer 1

First, see Sign Qt applications on Mac with Developer ID and Sign a Framework for OSX 10.9

Basically,

1. compile your application
2. run macdeployqt
3. check using otool -L ... the dependencies of all your frameworks, libraries and plugins
4. use install_name_tool -change ... to change any dependencies not properly deployed to inside the bundle
5. sign your frameworks and bundle (see the 2 links given above)

You will need to pay Apple for a developer ID to be able to sign your application otherwise your users will have to deal with Gatekeeper.