Create from python code a macOS app

Create your own app for Apple macOS and more.

Needed

We need NodeJS and Python.

Install first

• https://nodejs.org/
• https://www.python.org/

Check it out

• For npm get a look here: Best practice
• For python get a look here: Best practice

Then extensions

For NPM:

$ npm install -g create-dmg

For python:

$ pip3 install pyinstaller

OR

$ pip3 install -r requirements.txt

You can list your packages here:

requirements.txt

pyinstaller 

One file app

Create example.py

import tkinter as tk

def say_hello():
    print("Hello, World!")

app = tk.Tk()
app.title("Simple App")

hello_button = tk.Button(app, text="Say Hello", command=say_hello)
hello_button.pack(pady=20)

app.mainloop()

And then packaging with PyInstaller:

$ pyinstaller --onefile --windowed example.py

And now create from dist folder your app:

$ create-dmg dist/example.app

You see this message after creating without a code signing:

✖ No suitable code signing identity found

Run create-dmg with the --no-skip-checks option to skip code signing:

create-dmg dist/example.app --no-skip-checks

Free options for code signing

However, there are also some free options if you just want to test apps on your own device or do not plan on official distribution via the App Store.

You can create a free Apple Developer account to test apps on your own devices. This has some limitations, such as the need to renew the certificate every seven days, but it is sufficient for basic testing.

• Download Xcode from the Mac App Store.
• Open Xcode and go to Xcode > Preferences > Accounts.
• Go to the project's "Signing & Capabilities".
• Select your Apple ID profile from the team drop-down menu.
• Xcode automatically creates a signed certificate for you if you use the free developer account.

codesign --deep --force --verify --verbose --sign "Developer ID Application: Your Name (Team ID)" dist/example.app

After codesign

$ create-dmg dist/example.app

Sign and distribute apps with a paid developer account

If you want code signing, create a Apple Developer Account and join Apple Developer Program currently costs $99 per year.

Create certificates and provisioning profiles:

Once you're a member, you can create certificates and provisioning profiles needed to sign and publish your apps.

• Sign in to the Apple Developer Account.
• Go to the Certificates, IDs & Profiles section.
• Create a Developer ID Application certificate for signing apps outside of the Mac App Store.

Sign the app:

After you've created and downloaded the certificate, open the Keychain Access app on your Mac and import the certificate.

$ codesign --deep --force --verify --verbose --sign "Developer ID Application: Your Name (Team ID)" dist/example.app

After codesign

$ create-dmg dist/example.app

Notes:

• Using your private Apple ID: When you use your private Apple ID, all apps and certificates are connected to your personal information.

If you don't want this, you can create a separate Apple ID just for development.

• Team ID: The Team ID is a unique identifier assigned to you when you join the Apple Developer Program. You can find this in your Apple Developer Account.

Full Project

Do you have more than one file or multiple files for your program?

python-mac-app/
├── main.py
├── module1.py
├── module2.py
├── python-mac-app.spec
├── assets/
│   ├── image.png
│   └── data.json
└── ...

Create the python-mac-app.spec

# -*- mode: python ; coding: utf-8 -*-

block_cipher = None

a = Analysis(
    ['main.py'],
    pathex=['./python-mac-app'],
    binaries=[],
    datas=[
        ('assets/image.png', 'assets'),
        ('assets/data.json', 'assets')
    ],
    hiddenimports=[],
    hookspath=[],
    runtime_hooks=[],
    excludes=[],
    win_no_prefer_redirects=False,
    win_private_assemblies=False,
    cipher=block_cipher,
    noarchive=False
)

pyz = PYZ(a.pure, a.zipped_data, cipher=block_cipher)

exe = EXE(
    pyz,
    a.scripts,
    [],
    exclude_binaries=True,
    name='main',
    debug=False,
    bootloader_ignore_signals=False,
    strip=False,
    upx=True,
    console=False
)

coll = COLLECT(
    exe,
    a.binaries,
    a.zipfiles,
    a.datas,
    strip=False,
    upx=True,
    upx_exclude=[],
    name='main'
)

And now use the spec file to create your app:

$ pyinstaller python-mac-app.spec

And then create from dist folder your app:

$ create-dmg dist/python-mac-app.app

ISSUE

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• Bug
• Feature

Choose template and report a bug or feature you want issues.

CONTRIBUTE

Please read the contributing to contribute.

VULNERABILITY

Please use the Security section for privately reporting a vulnerability.

AUTHOR

prod3v3loper

License

MIT