Package Builder 2.0.2

Package Builder

A Mac utility from Araelium that turns drag-and-drop file lists into standard macOS .pkg installers without mastering pkgbuild, productbuild, and distribution XML by hand.

Shipping a Mac app often ends with a disk image, but many teams still need a proper installer package for fonts, plugins, preference panes, or multi-component deployments. Apple’s tooling works, yet the documentation is sparse and easy to get wrong. Package Builder wraps that workflow: name the installer, drop apps or support files, set destination paths, and click Build to produce a pkg ready for distribution.

Installer customization

You can add localized introduction, readme, and summary text, attach license agreements the user must accept, and set light or dark background artwork for a familiar installer look. Install requirements block unsupported Macs by macOS version, Intel versus Apple Silicon, or free disk space. Pre- and post-install shell scripts handle edge cases such as replacing existing files or restarting services; the built-in script editor documents available environment variables.

Signing, notarization, and automation

Package Builder supports code signing so Gatekeeper trusts your package, and optional Apple notarization with app-specific passwords for developer accounts. Multiple package choices let users pick components during install. For automation, the pkgbuilder CLI builds from a .pkgbuilder project file in one call, fitting into Xcode or CI pipelines. DMG Canvas integration can build the pkg, sign it, notarize it, and place it inside a disk image automatically according to the vendor.

Licensing and fit

Package Builder 2 requires macOS 13 or later on Intel or Apple Silicon and sells as a one-time thirty-dollar license from Araelium with a free trial; it is not on the Mac App Store. If you only distribute a single .app in a DMG, you may not need pkg files at all. Package Builder suits indie developers, IT packagers, and plugin authors who want repeatable installers without maintaining shell scripts. Version 2.0.2 is a current build in the version 2 line; Araelium does not publish point-release notes on its website.