Starting with Xojo 2025r1, a new Property List Editor is available for both Desktop (macOS) and iOS projects under Build Settings > macOS and Build Settings > iOS. This editor simplifies the process of adding custom entries that your app may require, beyond those automatically included by Xojo.
Some projects require additional entries in the generated Info.plist file. Previously, the only way to include these entries was to create the file manually using an external text editor, then drag and drop it into the project’s Navigation area. This allowed its contents to be merged with the entries automatically generated by Xojo in the final Info.plist file within the app bundle.
Now, the Property List Editor in the Xojo IDE provides a simpler way to add these entries. Once added, you can even export the contents to an external file, making it easy to reload them later for other projects that require the same set of entries. This saves time by eliminating the need to manually re-enter them.
What about projects that already reference an external Info.plist file? No worries—Xojo will automatically merge its contents with the entries added via the Property List Editor. If the same key exists in both the external file and the Property List Editor, the value from the Property List Editor will take precedence, overriding the one in the external file.
As for the types of data that can be added to the Property List Editor, the expected options are offered:
For collections:
- Dictionary
- Array
For primitive values:
- Number
- String
- Boolean
For primitive value entries, the Editor allows you to convert them to any of the other two supported primitive types. For example, if you add a Number entry, you can later select it and convert it to a String or Boolean type as needed.
Of course, the entries added through the Property List Editor are applied and saved to the project file in addition to any changes made using the Property List Editor. The next time you open the project in Xojo, you’ll find the previously applied Info.plist entries already in place.
Tip: If you’re using the new Publish feature to send your macOS apps to App Store Connect, you can simplify Apple’s encryption compliance process by adding a new Boolean entry in the Property List Editor with the following values:
Key: ITSAppUsesNonExemptEncryption
Value: False
By doing this, you won’t need to manually go through the “Manage” option for Apple’s encryption compliance on the App Store Connect website—provided your app does not actually use encryption that requires disclosure.
In Summary
Whether you’re developing macOS or iOS projects, the integration of the Property List Editor in the Xojo IDE streamlines the process of managing additional Info.plist entries. You no longer need to manually create and import external files —now, you can add, edit, and reuse entries directly within the IDE. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency across multiple projects!
Javier Menendez is an engineer at Xojo and has been using Xojo since 1998. He lives in Castellón, Spain and hosts regular Xojo hangouts en español. Ask Javier questions on Twitter at @XojoES or on the Xojo Forum.