> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.paperline.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# App Store Publishing

> Deploy your iOS app to TestFlight and App Store with one click. Paperline handles code signing, archiving, and upload to App Store Connect.

## Requirements

Before deploying, you need:

* **Apple Developer Account**: \$99/year at [developer.apple.com](https://developer.apple.com)
* **App Store Connect Access**: Included with your developer account
* **Valid Xcode Project**: A buildable iOS app

## Deployment Process

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Publish Menu">
    Click the **publish icon** (upload arrow) in the header toolbar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Team">If you belong to multiple Apple development teams, select the one to use for this app.</Step>

  <Step title="Sign In with Apple ID">
    Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted. Paperline uses these to authenticate with App Store Connect.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create API Key">
    Paperline creates an App Store Connect API key for secure uploads. This is a one-time setup per team.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Build & Archive">Paperline builds your app in release mode and creates an archive (.xcarchive).</Step>

  <Step title="Export IPA">The archive is exported as an IPA file, ready for upload.</Step>

  <Step title="Upload to App Store Connect">Your app is uploaded to App Store Connect using the API key.</Step>

  <Step title="TestFlight Setup">
    Paperline configures TestFlight so you can start testing immediately.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Deployment Stages

| Stage                 | Description                             |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| Authenticating        | Signing in to your Apple account        |
| Creating App          | Setting up the app in App Store Connect |
| Archiving             | Building the release version            |
| Exporting IPA         | Creating the uploadable package         |
| Uploading             | Sending to App Store Connect            |
| Setting Up TestFlight | Configuring beta testing                |

## After Deployment

Once uploaded, your app appears in [App Store Connect](https://appstoreconnect.apple.com):

1. **Processing**: Apple processes your build (5-30 minutes)
2. **Ready for Testing**: Available in TestFlight
3. **Submit for Review**: When ready for the App Store

### TestFlight Testing

1. Open TestFlight on your iPhone
2. Your app appears under "Apps"
3. Install and test

Invite others by adding their email in App Store Connect.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Authentication failed">
    * Check your Apple ID and password
    * Ensure two-factor authentication is set up
    * Try signing in at [appleid.apple.com](https://appleid.apple.com) first
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Build failed">
    * Check for Swift compilation errors - Ensure all assets are valid - Try building in Xcode first to see detailed
      errors
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Upload failed">
    * Check your internet connection - Ensure your developer account is active - Verify the bundle ID is unique
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="App rejected by Apple">
    Review Apple's [App Store Review Guidelines](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/). Common issues:

    * Missing privacy policy
    * Incomplete app functionality
    * Placeholder content
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Tips

* **Test locally first**: Run on a real device before deploying
* **Increment version numbers**: Each upload needs a unique build number
* **Add app screenshots**: Required for App Store submission
* **Write a good description**: Helps with App Store discovery