Create an archive of your app

Create an archive of your app to upload it to App Store Connect or export it for distribution outside of the App Store.

  1. In the main window, choose a target and run destination from the Scheme toolbar menu.

    Important: You can’t create an archive if you set the run destination to a simulator.

    For iOS, tvOS, and watchOS apps, choose a build only device:

    • Generic iOS Device

    • Generic tvOS Device

    • Generic iOS Device + watchOS Device

    • Generic watchOS Device

    Alternatively, choose a real device from the Scheme toolbar menu. If a device is connected to your Mac, the device name appears in the Scheme toolbar menu. When you disconnect the device, the menu item changes to the generic device name.

    For a Mac app built with Mac Catalyst, choose My Mac as the run destination.

  2. Choose Product > Archive.

    If the archive builds successfully, it appears in the Archives organizer.

  3. To open the Archives organizer, choose Window > Organizer and click Archives.

See alsoPrepare for app distributionValidate an archive of your app