.app bundle#
A macOS .app
bundle is a collection of directory with a specific layout,
and with some key metadata. If this structure and metadata exists, macOS treats
the folder as an executable file, giving it an icon.
.app
bundles can be copied around as if they are a single file. They can
also be compressed to reduce their size for transport.
By default, apps will be both signed and notarized when they are packaged.
The .app
bundle is a distributable artefact. Alternatively, the .app
bundle can be packaged as a .dmg
that contains the .app
bundle. The
default packaging format is .dmg
.
Icon format#
macOS .app
bundles use .icns
format icons.
Splash Image format#
macOS .app
bundles do not support splash screens or installer images.
Additional options#
The following options can be provided at the command line when packaging macOS apps.
--no-notarize
#
Do not submit the application for notarization. By default, apps will be submitted for notarization unless they have been signed with an ad-hoc signing identity.