How to make an ipa file?

Question

How can I create a ipa file for my iOS application?

I have written the complete code for my iPhone app and now I\'d like to make .ipa file.

Answer 1

Sometimes it may happen that Xcode Archiver fails to generate ipa file. Then here is the another option.

1. Build the application.
2. After successful build go to "Products" folder in your project navigator.
3. Right click on it and go to "Show in Finder".
4. Copy the .app file.
5. Create a new folder at some other location lets say on Desktop with name "Payload".
6. Paste that .app file in Payload folder.
7. Zip the Payload folder.
8. Rename that zipped folder with .ipa

Thats it.

Reverse procedure is used to retrieve the app file from an ipa file.

Hope this answer helps.

Answer 2

Using Archive process with Xcode 9.0

1. Clean your project from Product -> Clean (cmd + shift + k)
2. Select Product -> Archive

3. Once archive is successfully completed it will open in Organizer window
4. Press Export button present on right side

5. Now select the distribution method as per your need and click on Next button

6. This will show the App Store distribution options. Now click on Next button

7. Re-sign your project (preferred is Automatically manage signing) and click on Next button

8. There will be Review window containing IPA content details. Click on Export.

9. Now choose the location where folder is to be saved and Click on Export.

10. This will create an folder containing IPA, packaging.log, DistributionSummary.plist and ExportOptions.plist file

Answer 3

1. First complete your coding check it with your provisioning profile.
2. Then click to run on device or ipad.
3. then go to menu -> prodcut -> clean.
4. After cleaning menu -> product -> Archive .
5. After completing it click on share and click on next button.
6. It will take a minute as per your app file size.
7. then give a name of ipa and save it where you want.

Answer 4

As of Xcode 4.3, there is no option of Share in organizer. You need to select distribute and then select the option for save as enterprise or adhoc application.

Answer 5

Hope it helps someone: if you are kicked out of organiser this is how to re-open it. From there you can compile ipa file as recommended. AD Hoc is for sharing ipa by email and you need to archive for "Generic iOS device".

Answer 6

Stepwise Procedure to create an IPA file,

1.First of all,choose your device as IOS Device in Scheme near Breakpoint tab in Xcode.

2.In Xcode menu,Product->Clean and build your application.

3.If the provisioning certificate is not valid,it will lead to build failed with an error.If so you have to change it to a valid certificate through your project->build settings.Else if build succeeded just leave this step.

4.Then select Product->archive,it will create an archive file in Organiser->archives and open it up for you after archive finished.

5.choose share tab in Organiser followed by contents->.ipa and Identity->choose your valid distribution certificate and click next.

6.within a minute it will ask name for your IPA file to save.Give a name and save it in Desktop.

7.Open iTunes and drag and drop your IPA file in Library->Apps.

8.Now connect and select your Device in itunes->choose apps tab under it and sync your app ipa to the Device.It will install your IPA file to the device.

9.Thats all.Now you can run your App IPA file in your device.