Package Electron apps into OS-specific bundles (.app, .exe, etc.) via JavaScript or command line.
@electron/packager is a Node.js library and CLI tool that bundles Electron application source code with a renamed Electron executable and supporting files into platform-specific folders ready for distribution. It simplifies creating executables for Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling developers to prepare their apps for end-user deployment. It focuses on the essential step of bundling, leaving advanced distribution tasks like installers to specialized tools.
Electron developers who need to package their applications into OS-specific bundles (.app, .exe, etc.) for distribution across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. It is suitable for both individual developers and teams building desktop applications with Electron.
Developers choose Electron Packager for its reliability, configurability, and seamless integration into build pipelines via JavaScript API or CLI. Its unique selling point is automatic handling of Electron releases and multi-platform packaging with extensive customization options, while encouraging a modular ecosystem by focusing solely on bundling.
Customize and package your Electron app with OS-specific bundles (.app, .exe, etc.) via JS or CLI
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Generates executables for Windows, macOS, and Linux across various architectures from a single host, enabling broad distribution without platform-specific tooling.
Finds or downloads the correct Electron release for target platforms, simplifying version management and ensuring compatibility, as highlighted in the usage examples.
Offers extensive options for output directories, app names, and bundle configurations via CLI or JavaScript API, with support for plugins to extend functionality.
Defaults to pruning devDependencies and ignoring files like .git, reducing final app size without manual configuration.
Only creates folders; separate tools like electron-winstaller or electron-installer-dmg are required for installers or app store submissions, adding complexity to the workflow.
Packaged apps are approximately the size of the Electron binary, as noted in the README, which can be bulky for distribution and impact download times.
macOS .app bundles can only be signed when building on a macOS host, hindering cross-platform development and CI/CD pipelines for teams without native hardware.