How to Install an Archived Build of an iPad App

Archived builds are also referred to as "ad hoc" builds.

When developing an iPad game or application, it may be necessary for you to compile it into an archived build and test it on an actual device before you submit it to Apple for distribution. The archive is a folder containing all the files, images and code that the application needs to run on the iPad. You can install this archive on your iPad for testing using the iTunes software on your computer and it will appear on the device's home screen just like any other app.

Things You'll Need

• ITunes
• IPad USB cable

Instructions

1. Download and install the latest version of iTunes to your computer, following the installation instructions provided on the Apple website. Once installation is complete, launch iTunes by clicking its icon on the desktop.

2. Drag and drop the archived build of your application into the "Library" section at the top of the left pane in iTunes. The archive is processed and added to your iTunes library, ready for syncing to the iPad.

3. Connect your iPad to the computer with its USB cable. ITunes will detect the iPad and add it to the Devices section in the left pane.

4. Select the iPad from the Devices section and click on the "Summary" tab in the main iTunes window.

5. Click the "Sync" button in the lower right corner of the Summary tab. The archived build of your application is installed on the iPad as part of the synchronization process.

Tips & Warnings

• Drag and drop several archived builds of different apps into the iTunes library at once, and then sync them all to the iPad in one go.

• The same process is used for installing archived builds on an iPhone or iPod Touch.

• When adding the "provision" file to your archived build, make sure that the unique UDID number for each device you want to install it on is included in the file before installation.

References

• Innerfence: Installing an Ad Hoc Distribution
• Apple: Distributing Enterprise Apps for iOS 4 Devices