> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nativeline.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Publishing Overview

> Get your app into the hands of users

# Publishing Your App

You've built something great. Now let's get it to your users. This section covers everything from testing with friends to launching on the App Store.

## The Publishing Journey

```
Build Your App → Test with TestFlight → Submit to App Store → Launch!
     ↓                    ↓                      ↓               ↓
  Nativeline         Beta testers          Apple Review      Users
```

***

## What You'll Need

### Apple Developer Account

Required for any distribution beyond your own device.

| Feature             | Without Account | With Account (\$99/yr) |
| ------------------- | --------------- | ---------------------- |
| Test on your device | ✓               | ✓                      |
| TestFlight          | ✗               | ✓                      |
| App Store           | ✗               | ✓                      |
| Push notifications  | ✗               | ✓                      |

<Card title="Apple Developer Account" icon="apple" href="/publishing/apple-developer-account">
  Learn how to enroll
</Card>

***

## Publishing Options

### TestFlight (Beta Testing)

Share your app with up to 10,000 testers before launching publicly. Works for iPhone, iPad, and Mac apps.

**Use TestFlight to:**

* Get feedback from real users
* Test on various devices
* Find bugs before public launch
* Build excitement for your app

<Card title="TestFlight Guide" icon="paper-plane" href="/publishing/testflight/overview">
  Start beta testing
</Card>

### App Store (Public Launch)

Make your app available to everyone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

**App Store provides:**

* Global distribution
* Payment processing
* Automatic updates
* Visibility and discovery

<Card title="App Store Guide" icon="app-store" href="/publishing/app-store/overview">
  Launch publicly
</Card>

### DMG Export (Mac Apps Only)

Distribute your Mac app outside the App Store as a DMG file. Users download, open, and drag to Applications.

**DMG export provides:**

* Direct distribution (your website, email, etc.)
* No App Store review process
* Code signing and notarization for trust
* Standard macOS distribution format

<Card title="DMG Export Guide" icon="hard-drive" href="/publishing/dmg-export">
  Export your Mac app
</Card>

***

## The Process at a Glance

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare your app">
    Finish building, test thoroughly, gather assets
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up Apple Developer account">
    Enroll in the Apple Developer Program (\$99/year)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure certificates">
    Set up code signing (mostly automated by Nativeline)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Beta test with TestFlight">
    Upload build, invite testers, gather feedback
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit to App Store">
    Create listing, upload screenshots, submit for review
  </Step>

  <Step title="Launch and iterate">
    Respond to reviews, push updates, grow your user base
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Before You Start

### App Completeness Checklist

Before publishing, make sure:

* [ ] Core features work reliably
* [ ] No major bugs or crashes
* [ ] App works offline (if applicable)
* [ ] Loading states for slow operations
* [ ] Error messages are user-friendly
* [ ] Tested on multiple device sizes

### Required Assets

You'll need these for the App Store:

| Asset              | Specifications           |
| ------------------ | ------------------------ |
| App icon           | 1024x1024 PNG (no alpha) |
| Screenshots        | Various sizes per device |
| App description    | Clear, compelling text   |
| Keywords           | Up to 100 characters     |
| Privacy policy URL | Required for all apps    |

***

## Timeline Expectations

Publishing involves waiting for Apple:

| Step                       | Typical Wait Time      |
| -------------------------- | ---------------------- |
| Developer account approval | 24-48 hours            |
| TestFlight processing      | 10-30 minutes          |
| App Store review           | 24-48 hours (can vary) |

<Note>
  Review times can vary. During busy periods or for complex apps, expect longer waits.
</Note>

***

## Common Concerns

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need to pay $99 for TestFlight?" icon="dollar-sign">
    Yes. TestFlight requires an Apple Developer account, which costs \$99/year. There's no way around this for distribution.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long does App Store review take?" icon="clock">
    Most apps are reviewed within 24-48 hours. First-time submissions and apps with in-app purchases may take longer.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can my app get rejected?" icon="xmark">
    Yes. Apple reviews apps against their guidelines. Common rejection reasons are covered in our Review Guidelines section.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I just want friends to test?" icon="users">
    TestFlight is the way. You can add up to 100 internal testers immediately. External testers (up to 10,000) require a quick beta review.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Publishing Sections

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Apple Developer Account" icon="id-card" href="/publishing/apple-developer-account">
    Enrollment and setup
  </Card>

  <Card title="Certificates & Profiles" icon="certificate" href="/publishing/certificates-profiles">
    Code signing explained
  </Card>

  <Card title="TestFlight" icon="paper-plane" href="/publishing/testflight/overview">
    Beta testing guide
  </Card>

  <Card title="App Store" icon="app-store" href="/publishing/app-store/overview">
    Public launch guide
  </Card>
</CardGroup>