How do you export your finished application from Xcode?

Question

I feel silly for having to ask this. I've got an application to a point where I want to send someone a beta to test on their machine, but I don't know how to get Xcode to produce a .app file for me to send to them. Help?

Solution 1

On Xcode 13 you need to choose Product -> Destination -> Any iOS device (arm64).

Then afterwards you can run Product -> Archive.

Solution 2

This has changed in Xcode 4.

Now Apps can be exported from the "Organizer"

If you haven't already, you need to create an Archive.

On the menu go to Product -> Archive

Once you're in the Organizer - Archives screen click Share or Distribute... (Xcode 4.3.3 or newer)

Then choose the format you want to export.

Solution 3

the app is generally under your

project_dir/build/Debug/Name Of App 
project_dir/build/Release/Name Of App
project_dir/build/Distribution/Name Of App 

depending on which configuration of build you did or want to send.

Comments

[pian0]

As of XCode 4.3.3, the button is labeled Distribute... instead of Share

[Asaf]

if Product -> Archive is grayed out (disabled) you have to switch the scheme destination to "iOS Device" (explained here: stackoverflow.com/a/18791703/333283)

[Jim Rota]

This worked for me...I just wanted to know how big my app was. I'm curious: how does Apple control private distribution if they now allow exports?

[Kaji]

Moving the accepted answer to here to reflect the current state of Xcode. Thanks for the updated info!