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When you build a Mac app in Nativeline, you can export it as a DMG file for distribution outside the App Store. This gives you full control over how you share your app with users.

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What is a DMG?

DMG (Disk Image) is the standard macOS format for distributing apps. Your users download the DMG, open it, and drag the app to their Applications folder. If you’ve ever installed a Mac app from a website, you’ve used a DMG. It’s the expected format for Mac apps distributed outside the App Store — familiar to every Mac user.
DMG export progress showing signing, packaging, and notarization steps

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Requirements

Before you can export a DMG, make sure you have the following:
RequirementDetails
Mac projectYour project must target macOS (not iOS or iPadOS)
Apple Developer accountRequired for code signing ($99/year)
App Store Connect API KeyRequired for notarization (the same key used for TestFlight)
If you haven’t set up your Apple Developer account yet, you’ll need to do that first. Code signing and notarization are what make your DMG trustworthy to macOS.

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The Export Process

1

Open your Mac project

Open the Mac project you want to export in Nativeline.
2

Go to Settings, then Deploy

Navigate to Settings and select the Deploy section.
3

Select DMG Export

Choose DMG Export as your distribution method.
4

Nativeline archives your app

Your project is compiled and archived into a release build.
5

Code signing

The app is signed with your Developer ID certificate. This tells macOS the app comes from an identified developer.
6

DMG creation

The signed app is packaged into a DMG file.
7

Notarization (optional but recommended)

If enabled, the DMG is submitted to Apple for notarization. Apple scans it for malicious content and staples a ticket to the file.
8

Ready to distribute

Your DMG file is ready. Download it and share it however you want.

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Notarization

Notarization is Apple’s process for reviewing your app to ensure it doesn’t contain malicious content. It’s not App Store review — it’s an automated security check.

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Why It Matters

Without notarization, macOS Gatekeeper will show users a warning dialog when they try to open your app. Most users won’t get past that warning. Notarized apps open cleanly without any scary messages.

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How It Works

Nativeline uses the same App Store Connect API Key you set up for TestFlight. During the export process:
  1. Your signed DMG is uploaded to Apple’s notarization service
  2. Apple scans it (usually takes a few minutes)
  3. If approved, a notarization ticket is stapled to the DMG
  4. The stapled DMG is what you distribute to users

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Notarization Timeline

Notarization typically takes 2-5 minutes. In rare cases during high Apple server load, it can take up to 15 minutes. Nativeline waits for the result and reports success or failure.

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Progress Tracking

The export process shows real-time progress so you know exactly where things stand:
StageWhat’s Happening
ArchivingCompiling your project into a release build
ExportingCreating the app bundle from the archive
Creating DMGPackaging the app into a disk image
SigningApplying your Developer ID code signature
NotarizingSubmitting to Apple and waiting for approval
CompleteYour DMG is ready to download
Logs are available at each stage for troubleshooting if something goes wrong.

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Troubleshooting

Check that your Apple Developer certificates are valid and not expired. Go to your Apple Developer account and verify your Developer ID Application certificate is active. If it’s expired, create a new one and update your settings in Nativeline.
Ensure your App Store Connect API Key has the correct permissions. The key needs access to notarization services. Also check that your app doesn’t use any unsigned third-party frameworks or libraries — notarization requires everything in the bundle to be properly signed.
This usually means there are build errors in your project. Go back to your project, check for compiler errors, fix them, and then retry the DMG export. The archive step is essentially a release build, so any code issues will surface here.
Check if your project includes large assets (images, videos, data files) that shouldn’t be bundled. Ask the AI to review your project’s resource files and remove anything unnecessary.

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Distribution

Once your DMG is ready, you can share it anywhere:
  • Your website — Host the DMG as a download link
  • Email — Send it directly to users or testers
  • File sharing — Upload to Google Drive, Dropbox, or any file host
  • GitHub Releases — Attach it to a release on your repository
You can distribute your DMG anywhere — your website, email, file sharing services. Users just download, open, and drag to Applications.
DMG export is only available for Mac projects. iPhone and iPad apps must go through TestFlight or the App Store.

Publishing Overview

Learn about all the ways to publish and distribute your apps.

Apple Developer Account

Set up your Apple Developer account for code signing and distribution.