PyMacApp 0.0.4

Basic Tools to Build, Package, Sign, and Notorize Python Apps for MacOS

PyMacApp

pip3 install PyMacApp This Repo creates a project that you can clone to streamline MacOS python desktop app development. It contains all necessary scripts to build your final project, as well as code-sign them from Apple (Developer Account required).

Currently supports

This currently supports (and has been tested on) Python 3.9.9 on MacOS 11.6. This tool may work on other systems, but has not been tested.

• Building .app files
• Signing .app files

ToDo

• Building .pkg files
• Signing .pkg files
• Notorizing and Stapling .pkg files

Setup

Precursor - PyPi: PyMacApp

pip3 install PyMacApp

• Uses PyInstaller, should install automatically

Part 1: Developer Account

Note: This section is taken from: https://gist.github.com/txoof/0636835d3cc65245c6288b2374799c43

(1/2) Create a developer account with Apple

• Go to https://developer.apple.com and shell out $99 for a developer account
• Download and install X-Code from the Apple App Store
• Open and run X-Code app and install whatever extras it requires
• Open the preferences pane (cmd+,)
• click the + in the lower right corner choose Apple ID
• enter your apple ID and password

(2/2) Create an App-Specific password for altool to use

• Instructions from Apple to create: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204397
• Open KeyChain Access
• Create a "New Password Item"
• Keychain Item Name: Developer-altool
• Account Name: your developer account email
• Password: the application-specific password you just created

Part 2: Get Your Hashes

(1/3) Create Certificates with XCode

• Open XCode
• In the top-apple Menu, go to XCode > Preferences > Accounts > Your Account > In the team, chose the Admin team > Manage Certificates in the bottom-right
• click the plus in the bottom corner
• choose "Developer ID Application"
• repeating, click the plus in the bottom corner
• choose "Developer ID Installer"

(2/3) Get Certificates and Add to Project

• run:

security find-identity -p basic -v

• your output will look like:

1. HASH_OF_ID_HERE "Developer ID Application: ..."

2. HASH_OF_ID_HERE "Developer ID Installer: ..."

   2 valid identities found

• copy the appropriate hashes when using the Builder()

(3/3) Create your Identifiers

• developer.apple.com
• choose "account" in top right
• login
• "Certificates, IDs, and Profiles"
• on the left, switch to "Identifiers"
• create two App IDs, one for your .app and one for your .pkg
• it may be helpful to do something like com.your-domain.app-name for the .app and com.your-domain.app-name.pkg for the .pkg

Coding Your App

Code your app however you'd like. You'll need to identify a main script file (main.py or app.py); where ever you run your program from, that is your main script file.

Building & Packaging Your App

Use the Builder() and then call the .build_app(), .sign_app() functions. More coming soon.

Advanced Customization

Pre- and Post-Install Scripting

Coming soon.