xcodebuild -exportArchive: exportOptionsPlist error for key 'method': expected one of {}

Question

I'm using command line xcodebuild tool to export ad-hoc distribution ipa file out of my archive like this:

xcodebuild -exportArchive -archivePath /path/Archive.xcarchive -exportPath /path -exportOptionsPlist /path/options.plist 

However, this command fails with error

exportArchive: exportOptionsPlist error for key 'method': expected one of {}, but found ad-hoc 

No mater what 'method' I provide in my export options plist, it always fails with this error. It also fails if I remove the 'method' option from the plist file.

Answer 1

I suspected xcodebuild tool initially, but it turned out the archive file was invaid. When I opened the archive file in Xcode and tried to export an ipa file manually, I noticed that "Upload to App Store" and "Validate" buttons were disabled. After clicking the "Export" button, it gave me two options: "Save Built Products" and "Export as an Xcode Archive", but there was no Export ad-hoc distribution and the other regular options.

It turned out there were few library files along my .app file in the archive. Xcode considers this a generic archive and not an app archive. Check the Build Phases in your project settings for copying header and library files.

For more details, see https://developer.apple. com/library/ios/technotes/tn2215/_index.html