Building Packages from Package Sources
After you have verified the contents of a package source, Composer allows you to build two different kinds of packages: PKGs and DMGs. Each format has advantages depending on the intended use of the package and the tool you use to deploy it.
Once a package source exists in Composer, you can build a PKG or DMG package from the source at any time. You also have the ability to convert from one format to another after a package has been built. For more information about converting between the PKG and DMG formats, see Creating Package Sources from Existing Packages.
Building a PKG
PKGs can be deployed using almost any deployment tool, such as Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), Jamf Pro, and other client management systems.
The PKG format allows for easy installation by the user. Double-clicking the package opens the Installer application and guides the user through the installation process.
Note: PKGs cannot dynamically deploy files in the user’s home directory to user templates when used with Jamf Pro.
By default, Composer builds flat PKGs. For more information on flat PKGs, see Composer Preferences.
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Open Composer and authenticate locally.
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Select the package source you want to build as a PKG from the Sources list in the sidebar.
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In the toolbar, click Build as PKG
. Note: If the Build flat PKGs preference is enabled and the package source contains scripts that are not supported by flat PKGs, a dialog will appear. To disable this preference for this package only, click Build as non-flat PKG. To build a flat PKG that ignores unsupported scripts, click Build as flat PKG. For more information on which scripts are supported by flat PKGs, see Adding Scripts to Package Sources.
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Select a location to save the package and click Save.
Building a DMG
When used in conjunction with Jamf Pro, the DMG format allows you to dynamically deploy files and folders to each user that has an account on a computer, as well as the network home directories of currently logged-in users. There is also an option to deploy files and folders to the user template directories, ensuring that any new user receives the correct default environment.
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Open Composer and authenticate locally.
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Select the package source you want to build as a DMG from the Sources list in the sidebar.
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In the toolbar, click Build as DMG
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Select a location to save the package and click Save.