InstallBuilder
InstallBuilder is software for packaging, deploying, and updating applications on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What InstallBuilder is
InstallBuilder is software for packaging, deploying, and updating applications on Linux, macOS, and Windows. A single XML project file and build environment can produce native installers, RPM and Debian packages, self-contained executables, DMG and ZIP files, and CD-ROM or DVD media. Its command-line interface, source-control integration, and external scripts support automated build and CI/CD workflows. Installers can run with graphical, text-based, or silent installation modes, and automatic updates can deliver releases to users. Each installer is a single native executable with no external dependencies and built-in LZMA compression. Optional components download only when selected during setup. Windows and OS X installers can use PKCS#12 or PFX signing certificates, while encrypted payloads can require a password. InstallBuilder offers platform-specific, Professional, Enterprise, and site licenses.
Good
- Creates installers from one project file
- Supports GUI, text, and silent installation
- Includes automatic update functionality
- Offers RPM, DEB, DMG, ZIP, and media outputs
- Provides signing and encrypted payload options
Watch out
- No free plan
- Annual support is included for one year
- Some plans limit supported platforms or developers
Who it suits
InstallBuilder suits software teams, businesses, governments, educational institutions, and independent developers distributing applications across operating systems. It also fits teams needing command-line or CI/CD packaging workflows.
Verdict
InstallBuilder combines cross-platform packaging, automated builds, update delivery, and several installation modes. Its paid licensing and starting price make the available plan scope important when choosing it.
Plans and prices
From InstallBuilder's own pricing page, checked 1 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| InstallBuilder for Mac OS X | $995, paid once | Mac OS X · 1 year support and updates included |
| InstallBuilder for Qt for Linux | $995, paid once | Linux 32-bit/64-bit · 1 year support and updates included |
| InstallBuilder for Qt for Windows | $995, paid once | Windows · 1 year support and updates included |
| InstallBuilder for Linux | $995, paid once | Linux 32-bit/64-bit · 1 year support and updates included |
| InstallBuilder for Windows | $995, paid once | Windows · 1 year support and updates included |
| InstallBuilder Professional | $1,995, paid once | Linux, Windows, OS X · 1 year support and updates included |
| InstallBuilder for Qt Professional | $1,995, paid once | Linux, Windows, OS X · 1 year support and updates included |
| InstallBuilder Enterprise | $2,995, paid once | Linux, Windows, OS X, Solaris, FreeBSD, AIX, HP-UX and more · 1 year support and updates included |
| InstallBuilder Professional Site | $6,995, paid once | Up to 5 developers · Linux, Windows, OS X · 1 year support and updates included |
| InstallBuilder Enterprise Site | $9,995, paid once | Up to 5 developers · Linux, Windows, OS X, Solaris, FreeBSD, AIX, HP-UX and more · 1 year support and updates included |
The facts
Each one read from InstallBuilder's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audience
- Customers range from businesses, governments and educational institutions to Fortune 100 companies and independent game developers.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Build workflow
- Its XML project format supports source control integration and external scripts, and its command-line interface can automate and integrate building.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Components
- Downloadable components are retrieved at installation time only when selected, reducing installer download size.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Evaluation
- A fully functional evaluation copy is available through the download form.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Installation modes
- Installers support GUI, text-based, and silent or unattended installation modes.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Installer types
- It creates native cross-platform installers, RPM and Debian packages, and multiplatform CDs/DVDs from a single project file and build environment.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Packaging
- Installers are single-file, self-contained native executables with no external dependencies and built-in LZMA compression.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Backstaff states that sensitive and credit information is transmitted using SSL and encrypted in payment gateway databases.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- InstallBuilder provides tools and services for packaging, deploying and updating software.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Security
- InstallBuilder can sign Windows and OS X installers using PKCS#12 or PFX signing certificates and supports encrypted installer payloads requiring a password.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Support
- Every license includes email support and access to new releases for one year; typical response times are 24 hours for standard support and 48 hours for basic support on weekdays.checked 1 Oct 2026
- Updates
- InstallBuilder includes automatic update functionality for delivering updates directly to users.checked 1 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, California, USAchecked 28 Sep 2026
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