Packaging for macOS

Learn how to package your plugins and applications on macOS. In this workshop you’ll go through the complete process of preparing your plugins for release, including code signing, building installers, and notarising your software so it runs without security warnings.

You’ll start by setting up the required Apple developer account and generating the signing certificates needed to distribute software on macOS. From there you’ll learn how to code sign standalone applications and plugin formats such as VST3 and AU, verify the signatures, and prepare your binaries for packaging.

Next, you’ll build a professional macOS installer using WhiteBox Packages. You’ll learn how to structure installers with multiple components, customise the installer interface, and place plugin files in the correct system locations.

The workshop also covers advanced setups such as installing files in user folders and combining system and user installations within a single installer workflow.

Finally, you’ll learn how to code sign the installer itself, submit it to Apple’s notarization service, and staple the approval ticket so the installer works offline and passes macOS security checks.

By the end of the workshop you’ll understand the full macOS packaging process and have a reusable installer template you can adapt for your own projects.

Cheat sheets and notes are included so you can easily repeat the workflow when preparing future releases.