Can someone please explain why Mac app packaging is so farcically convoluted? Windows app packaging can be picked up in an hour or so. But I've spent longer trying to fathom how to package the Mac version than I did building the app. And it's not done with me yet. Every single line of code requires a deep dive into a new, unrelated skillset. So, it’s sidebar after sidebar. Kafka’s ‘The Trial’ comes to mind. Why does it have to be like this?

I am trying to package a Filemaker 18 Runtime app. A week ago, I managed to get 90% of the way towards doing as much, using MS Copilot as a guide. Unfortunately, due to my confusion over the landing stage files, I decided to start the process from scratch. This time, I fell at the first stage: Code Signing my .app Bundle. The Terminal command: codesign --deep --force --verify --verbose \ --sign "Developer ID Application: ME (V********)" \ "/Users/Me/Documents/Apps/MyApp/Runtime/MyApp/My App.app" Returned the error: /Users/Me/Documents/Apps/MyApp/Runtime/MyApp/My App.app: bundle format unrecognized, invalid, or unsuitable In subcomponent: /Users/Me/Documents/Apps/MyApp/Runtime/MyApp/My App.app/Contents/Frameworks/FMWrapper.framework No matter how many separate elements within the bundle I sign, I encounter the same error message. A few days ago, the identical command worked first time. I would be obliged for any help you can provide. Thanks.

Coming from Windows, I'm finding Mac app packaging farcically complicated, to the level of a Python sketch. I mastered Windows packaging, via Inno, in an hour or so, but it has taken me, on and off, the best part of a week to get to the point I am at with the Mac OS, and I'm nowhere near finished (rather, it hasn't finished with me). Every time I surmount one hurdle, another pops up, seemingly just for the jollies. I'm currently stuck at: 'Error: HTTP status code: 403. A required agreement is missing or has expired. This request requires an in-effect agreement that has not been signed or has expired. Ensure your team has signed the necessary legal agreements and that they are not expired.' My account lists no agreements in this category. I understand the need for security, but not the labyrinthine nature of the process. An inner-party member in the former Soviet Union overheard a drunken Stalin say, “I trust no one; not even myself". Apple trusts no one, but has true contempt for developers. Is there a simple way to work through the packaging process? Let me rephrase that: please God, let there be a simpler way of working through the process! Regards, in extremis, Richard

I’d like to convert a Filemaker 18 Runtime to a Mac (Catalina) application package. I found a youtube video that describes how to convert a shell script into a Mac OSX App. This is the shell script: I’ve had no luck adapting it to convert my Filemaker runtime into an app. Thanks in advance for any advice. Regards, Lara

I’m new to Mac packaging, and am confused by the multi-part signing and packaging process. I have built an app, using third party software, that I would like to upload to the Mac store for trial/testing purposes. I have joined the Apple Developers Programme, but am unsure whether I need to invest in third-party certification (e.g. Verisign) or can self-certify my app package. I would be obliged if someone would outline the sequence of steps that I need to follow to create a package that can be offered to users, and confirm whether my AD License is sufficient for me to follow same. Thanks in advance for any advice. Regards, L

Trying to post a question about packages on this forum, I keep cueing the message: 'This post contains sensitive language. Please revise it in order to continue.' There is nothing in my query that is remotely ‘sensitive’. I don’t know what to do next. Thanks in advance for any advice. Regards, Lar

Recently, I completed development on an app that I hope to upload to Kickstarter. I am unsure whether Apple Developer Program Membership incorporates signage and notarization fees. In short, to package my app, will I need to find $99, or $300? Thanks in advance for any advice. Regards, Lar