Archive export files

In the Archives organizer, you can export these files to distribute an app outside of the App Store, or export these files just before you upload a build to App Store Connect. Alternatively, you can export these files using the xcodebuild command.

File

Description

App Thinning Size Report.txt

Contains information about the size of the variants. This file only appears if you select App Thinning distribution options.

app-thinning.plist

Contains app thinning metrics. This file only appears if you select App Thinning distribution options.

Apps

A folder containing the app thinning variants (files with an .ipa file extension). This folder only appears if you select App Thinning distribution options.

AppStoreInfo.plist

A file that you pass to iTMSTransporter when you use this tool to upload an iOS App (IPA) file or a Mac Installer Package to the App Store. To learn more, go to Transporter User Guide.

Note: This file is only present if you export the archive using the xcodebuild command. You pass an ExportOptions.plist, with the generateAppStoreInformation key set to YES, as the exportOptionsPlist argument to the xcodebuild command.

DistributionSummary.plist

Contains a summary of the signing, provisioning, and entitlements information.

ExportOptions.plist

Contains the distribution method, distribution options, and distribution signing options you selected.

Note: You can pass this file as the exportOptionsPlist option to the xcodebuild command, or specify this file in the Archive action settings of a continuous integration bot.

[installer file]

For iOS, tvOS, and watchOS apps, this is an iOS App File (with a .ipa file extension) and for macOS apps, this is an installer package (with a .pkg file extension).

If you select App Thinning distribution options, these files appear in the Apps folder.

manifest.plist

Contains information needed to host resources outside of the App Store. This file only appears if you request a manifest file for over-the-air installation when choosing distribution options.

Important: For a watchOS app with a companion iOS app, the apps are installed on each device separately. The contents of the manifest file, and the hosted elements referenced in the manifest file, must be persistent during both installations.

Packaging.log

Contains the commands Xcode used to transform the archive file (with a .xcarchive file extension) in to the installer file (with a .pkg or .ipa file extension).

See alsoExport an iOS, tvOS, or watchOS appExport a macOS appConfigure a bot to create distribution-signed iOS App (IPA) filesWhat is app thinning? (iOS, tvOS, watchOS)