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Requirements

Code signing certificate

In order to sign your application, you will need a code signing certificate which can be obtained from your Apple Developer account.

Here's a step-by-step guide on obtaining a valid code signing certificate:

  • Create an Apple Developer Account

    • If you don't already have one, you will need to create an Apple Developer account. Visit the Apple Developer website and sign up. Note that to access certain resources, a paid membership may be required.

  • Access the Apple Developer Portal

  • Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

    • On your Mac, open the Keychain Access application.
    • From the menu bar, select Keychain Access > Certificate Assistant > Request a Certificate From a Certificate Authority.
    • Enter your email address and name. Choose 'Saved to disk' and continue. This action generates a CSR file.

  • Request a Signing Certificate

    • In the Apple Developer portal, navigate to the 'Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles' section.
    • Select 'Certificates' and click the '+' to add a new certificate.
    • Choose the Apple Developer ID certificate type (used for signing macOS apps to prepare them for distribution outside the Mac App Store and for notarization) and continue.
    • When prompted, upload the CSR file you generated earlier and complete the certificate request.

  • Download and Install Your Certificate

    • Once your certificate request is approved, you can download it from the Apple Developer portal.
    • Double-click the downloaded certificate to install it in your Keychain Access.

  • Verify Certificate Installation

    • In Keychain Access, under the 'My Certificates' category, verify that your new certificate is listed and valid.

Xcode command-line tools

Xcode 13.2 is the minimum required for notary tool, used during code signing.

  • Check for Existing Installation:

    • Open Terminal and type xcode-select -p to see if the command-line tools are already installed.

  • Install Xcode Command-Line Tools

    • If not installed, type xcode-select --install in the Terminal.
    • A software update popup will appear, prompting you to install the tools. Click 'Install' to proceed.

  • Alternative Installation via Xcode

    • If you prefer, you can install Xcode through the Mac App Store. Once Xcode is installed, open it.
    • Go to Preferences > Locations.
    • In the 'Command Line Tools' dropdown, select the latest version of the Xcode command-line tools.

  • Verify Installation

    • After installation, rerun xcode-select -p in the Terminal. It should now display the path to the installed command-line tools.

  • Accepting the License Agreement

    • To ensure all command-line tools are usable, you may need to accept the Xcode license. Type sudo xcodebuild -license in the Terminal and follow the prompts to accept the license.