There are two ways to create app installation files: cloud and local. Cloud means that ArcGIS will create the installation files for you. Local means you need to install the development tools locally and generate the installation files yourself.
To use either method, use the AppStudio Make tool. Make requires an ArcGIS AppStudio Developer Edition license.
Note:
The ArcGIS cloud Make environment occasionally includes patches from the Qt Company, which may mean that some apps created with local Make will face issues not present when the app is run in AppStudio Player or created with cloud Make. If you need these patches in local Make, you will need to apply these to your own machine after receiving them from Qt Company support.
Create app installation files with local Make
Before generating installation files, do the following:
- Add your Esri client ID to your app in Settings. To learn more, see License your app.
- Associate your certification files with your app in Settings. To learn more, see Sign your app.
- Select your app in AppStudio and choose the Make tool.
- Switch to the Local tab.
- Check the box next to your desired OS (Android, Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, or iOS). You can only build on one platform at a time.
- Click the Select output folder button to specify a folder for the build output.
- Make sure that the Build app for selected targets box is checked.
- Click the Configure button.
The first time you run local Make, you need to configure the location of the qmake file in the Qt kit for your targeted platform. For example, when building for macOS, you would browse to the qmake file in the clang64 kit. You can set all targets at once and save.
- Click the Build Apps button.
- If prompted, build an installer for your app.
The installation files will be in the Output folder. If an installer was built, the setups will be in the Setups folder.
Test your installation files
You can copy installation files to Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu operating systems using a file browser, USB stick, or SD card. For Android and iOS, a few additional steps may be required.
Additional steps for Android are as follows:
- Be sure that your device allows the running of apps from unknown sources (often referred to as developer mode).
- If your device does not a have file browser by default, you may need to install one.
For iOS, connect your device to your computer. Then do the following to install your app on your device:
- In XCode, click Windows > Devices and Simulators. Your device should be displayed in the Devices window.
- Either click the add button for your device and select your app's .ipa file, or drag your .ipa file into the Installed Apps section.