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I used pyinstaller to create an executable file (Desktop GUI). I am on Windows, and the person I am sending it to is on Mac.

I was under the impression that pyinstaller was cross platform, but the Mac user gets an error when trying to run the app. What are my options for distributing my GUI for both Windows and Mac?

I have not been able to find a straightforward answer and do not have a Mac to test with. I saw Inno Setup, but haven't found anything saying whether or not it's cross platform.

I need to create a script that can run both Windows and Mac. I am also looking for an easy way to send it electronically.

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StayOnTarget
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cmccall95
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  • Afaik, it's not possible. See [Is there any way to make a dual executable file for Mac/Windows?](https://stackoverflow.com/q/1646549/850848) – Martin Prikryl Aug 24 '21 at 10:36
  • I read your link, but I have 0 experience with Mac. Can I just copy the code and compile it on a Mac? Or is it more difficult than that? The GUI relies on wxpython and pandas libraries – cmccall95 Aug 24 '21 at 10:56
  • If pyinstaller is creating the executable then that's where you should start - its documentation. – StayOnTarget Aug 25 '21 at 10:21

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I have no knowledge of Python but after a quick serach on the internet came up with this which might help you.

A few months ago I went through this process (rather painstakingly I might add) to deploy a simple Xamarin Cross Platform App. In my own experience I have learned that the macOS has very strict rules about how software is to be packaged for deployment on a computer.

If you are using Visual Studio for Mac it will automatically build a packaged installer for you. But, you do have to purchase (at an yearly cost) a Developer ID.

Then, you create specific provision profiles for your application and these are used along with your developer ID to sign your packaged installer. I found it somewhat complicated!

Finally, you follow a procedure via the console on the mac to submit your package for an automatic scan. This is referred to as getting your package notarized (link to a SO question about that process).They provide you a result that then gets stapled to the package.

It is like a double signing. Once this is done then the package can be installed by users using the macOS.

An alternative is that the user run a instance of Windows by using a software package called Parallels. I have to say it is very good and I did enjoy my trial of the software, You can fire up Windows from inside the macOS (no need to reboot) and since it is Windows you can simply run your stahdard installers.

In summary, for the macOS, if you do not correctly sign your package with a developer and application ID, and don't get it notarized and stapled the operating system will throw it back out at you and not run it.

Andrew Truckle
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