Export an IPA file
The iOS export is the final step before publishing or distributing your application.
You will:
- Customize the name, icon, and splash screen.
- Choose iPhone/iPad compatibility and the distribution mode.
- Sign the application with the Apple assets required for your distribution method.
Once the binary is generated, you will have a download link from your PandaSuite dashboard.
The IPA export is only available for Single, Multi, or Full plans.
What is an IPA file?
The IPA file is the native package of an iOS application. This is the file used to install an app on an iPhone or iPad. You can export your application’s IPA file from your PandaSuite dashboard.
The .ipa format is used to publish on the App Store, deploy an app with Ad Hoc distribution, or distribute an app in-house.
Replacing an expiring distribution certificate? Export your next IPA with the
new .p12 file and the updated .mobileprovision file. See Replace an
expiring or expired iOS distribution
certificate.
Prerequisites
- IPA export is only available on Single, Multi, or Full plans.
- Your project content is finalized and published.
- An Apple Developer account if you want to export a signed IPA for the App Store, Ad Hoc, or in-house distribution.
- An iOS provisioning profile matching the selected distribution mode.
- An iOS certificate (.p12) and its password.
- An App ID / Bundle ID registered in Apple Developer if the app is signed.
Minimum OS Version and Device Compatibility
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum supported version | iOS 11.0 |
| Supported devices | iPhone and iPad |
| Choices in the export form | iPhone, iPad, or both |
| Binary type | Native iOS .ipa file |
| Installation | The IPA must be signed before it can be installed or distributed |
Important points before distribution:
- If you target both iPhone and iPad, test your project on multiple screen sizes and orientations.
- Hardware-related features such as camera, microphone, Bluetooth, geolocation, or push notifications also depend on granted permissions and device capabilities.
- If you enable offline mode, any content update requires generating and redistributing a new IPA.
- The provisioning profile must match the selected distribution mode: App Store, Ad Hoc, or in-house.
Export the IPA file
Access the dashboard
- Log in to your PandaSuite dashboard.
- In Apps, create or select the relevant application.
- Access the general screen.
- Click on Export IPA.
Fill out the form
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Icon | PNG 1024 × 1024 px. |
| Application name | Displayed under the icon on the device. |
| Compatibility | iPhone, iPad, or both. |
| Version / Build | We recommend starting with 1.0.0 and 1. Increment with each update. |
| Asset management (offline) | If enabled, the app works without a connection. Any content update requires a new export and reinstallation. |
| Loading screen | Upload an icon to generate the screens automatically or add your own visuals. |
| Primary / Secondary color | Used for the loader displayed on top of the loading screen. |
| Distribution mode | • Publish on the Apple App Store • Deploy in Ad Hoc mode • Distribute an in-house iOS app |
| Signature | See the options below. |
| Advanced options | If you are exporting a content hub, you can choose the logo displayed in the navigation bar. |
Signature options
| Option | When to use it? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Sign with your Apple Developer account | You are publishing on the App Store or distributing a signed iOS application with Ad Hoc / in-house deployment. | • Apple Developer account • Provisioning profile matching the selected mode • iOS .p12 certificate + password• App ID / Bundle ID |
| Do not sign / Manually sign (expert) | You manage signing through your IT team, internal tooling, or CI pipeline. | Download an unsigned IPA and handle the full signing workflow yourself |
Start the generation
Click on Validate.
The process takes place on our servers and can last from a few minutes to several hours depending on the load.
You will receive:
- A confirmation email;
- The download link in the iOS / Android tab of your dashboard.
To publish on the App Store: follow the guide Publish on the Apple App Store. To send your build to Apple: use Upload your IPA via Transporter. For private distribution: see the Ad Hoc and in-house guides.
FAQ
Can I install an unsigned IPA?
No, not directly. An IPA must be signed with the correct Apple assets before it can be installed on an iOS device.
Which distribution mode should I choose between App Store, Ad Hoc, and in-house?
Choose App Store for public distribution, Ad Hoc for a limited number of registered devices, and in-house for internal distribution within an eligible organization.
Do I need to export a new IPA if I change the certificate or provisioning profile?
Yes. If your signing assets change, you need to generate a new IPA with the updated files.
Can I update content without exporting again if offline mode is enabled?
No. In offline mode, any content update requires generating and redistributing a new IPA.