Error when trying to install .ipa ('app.ipa is not a valid archive')

Solar2D iOS
1

I’m trying to package my app for adhoc distribution via TestFlight.

Corona SDK created the .app with no problems, but when i package it in a .ipa and try to install in a device via XCode, i get this error:

The file ‘file:///[APP_PATH].ipa’ is not a valid archive. (Could not locate file within archive)

I’m creating an .ipa following these steps:

  1. Create a folder named Payload;

  2. Copy the .app file into the Payload folder;

  3. Zip the Payload folder;

  4. Rename it from .zip to .ipa;

Additional info:

  • Using Corona SDK Starter v2014.2511;

  • XCode v6.1.1;

  • Trying it on an iPhone 5s with iOS 8.1.2;

  • I can install the app via .app file, it only breaks with the .ipa;

Any ideas?

2

If you are using Xcode, just install the .app file directly, no need to make it a .ipa.  You need the .ipa for use with TestFlight or if you’re using iTunes to install it.

Rob

3

Hi Rob, that’s exactly what i want, distribute via TestFlight. As i mentioned, i’m able to install the .app via XCode, but i get this error when trying to install a .ipa.

The error message suggests that i’m maybe packaging it wrong, but i’ve followed these steps many times before, and it always worked.

Couldn’t find a workaround yet.

4

Just to be clear:  You use the .app for Xcode.  You use the .ipa for TestFlight/iTunes.  You can’t use the .ipa with Xcoce and you can’t use the .app with TestFlight/iTunes.

I’m not sure why you would want to go through the extra effort to  make the .ipa for Xcode since you can just put the .app bundle directly on the device.

Rob

5

You’re totally right, Rob. I wanted to test my built ipa before uploading it to TestFlight, and somehow kept trying to do it by XCode.

Thanks a lot, and sorry for wasting your time. I’m gonna leave the topic here, in case someone else come across the same “problem”.

6

If you are using Xcode, just install the .app file directly, no need to make it a .ipa.  You need the .ipa for use with TestFlight or if you’re using iTunes to install it.

Rob

7

Hi Rob, that’s exactly what i want, distribute via TestFlight. As i mentioned, i’m able to install the .app via XCode, but i get this error when trying to install a .ipa.

The error message suggests that i’m maybe packaging it wrong, but i’ve followed these steps many times before, and it always worked.

Couldn’t find a workaround yet.

8

Just to be clear:  You use the .app for Xcode.  You use the .ipa for TestFlight/iTunes.  You can’t use the .ipa with Xcoce and you can’t use the .app with TestFlight/iTunes.

I’m not sure why you would want to go through the extra effort to  make the .ipa for Xcode since you can just put the .app bundle directly on the device.

Rob

9

You’re totally right, Rob. I wanted to test my built ipa before uploading it to TestFlight, and somehow kept trying to do it by XCode.

Thanks a lot, and sorry for wasting your time. I’m gonna leave the topic here, in case someone else come across the same “problem”.