How do I build .ipa files with -skipMacroValidation flag in Codemagic?

Last updated: July 27, 2026

Context

When working with projects that use unsafeFlags (such as those using the Engine framework), the standard xcode-project build-ipa command may not work. Instead, you need to use xcodebuild archive with the -skipMacroValidation flag, followed by proper export commands to generate the .ipa file.

Answer

To build an .ipa file using xcodebuild with the -skipMacroValidation flag, follow these steps in your codemagic.yaml configuration:

  1. First, create the archive using xcodebuild with the -skipMacroValidation flag: 

    xcodebuild archive \
    -workspace YourWorkspace.xcworkspace \
    -scheme YourScheme \
    -skipMacroValidation \
    -archivePath "$CM_BUILD_DIR/output.xcarchive"

  2. Then export the archive to create the .ipa file: 

    xcodebuild -exportArchive \
    -archivePath "$CM_BUILD_DIR/output.xcarchive" \
    -exportPath "$CM_BUILD_DIR/build" \
    -exportOptionsPlist "ExportOptions.plist"

Important notes:

  • Make sure to specify the complete path to the .xcarchive file, including the .xcarchive extension

  • Verify that your ExportOptions.plist file exists and is in the correct location

  • The -archivePath in the export command must match the output path specified in the archive command