XcodeGen Project Generator for iOS Developers

Effortlessly create, customize, and maintain Xcode projects with automation, reducing errors, avoiding conflicts, and streamlining workflows for every developer.

About XcodeGen

XcodeGen is a command-line tool written in Swift that helps developers generate and manage Xcode projects automatically. Instead of manually editing and maintaining .xcodeproj files—which often leads to merge conflicts and inconsistencies—XcodeGen creates them on demand from a simple YAML or JSON specification file.

This specification file describes everything your project needs, such as:

Targets (applications, frameworks, libraries)
Build configurations (debug, release, production, etc.)
Schemes for different environments (like testing and production)
Custom build settings and shared configurations

Consistent

Maintainable

Conflict-free

Efficient

Key Features

On demand Project Generation

Generate your Xcode project whenever you need, instead of maintaining bulky .xcodeproj files. By removing .xcodeproj from Git, you avoid frustrating merge conflicts, making collaboration across teams much smoother.

Scheme Automation

No need to manually create schemes for different environments. XcodeGen automatically sets up schemes for testing, staging, and production, saving time and ensuring consistency across builds.

Shared Build Settings

Instead of duplicating build settings across multiple targets, you can define them once in build setting groups and reuse them anywhere. This keeps projects clean, consistent, and easier to maintain.

Effortless File Management

Add, copy, or move files in your project’s folder structure, and XcodeGen will automatically recognize and reference them. No more tedious manual editing inside Xcode.

Any file changes in your folders are instantly reflected in the generated Xcode project.
Eliminate the need to drag and drop files in Xcode.
Keeps your folder hierarchy aligned with your project organization.
Speeds up development by reducing repetitive setup tasks.

How It Works

Define Your Folder Structure

Before generating a project, organize your source files, assets, and resources into a clean folder hierarchy. This structure will be mirrored in your Xcode project, making your codebase easy to navigate and maintain.

Create a YAML or JSON Project Specification

Next, create a project specification file in YAML or JSON format. This file defines all aspects of your project, including targets, build settings, configurations, and schemes.

Run XcodeGen CLI in Your Terminal

With your folder structure and project spec ready, open the terminal and run the XcodeGen command. The CLI reads your specification file and builds the xcodeproj file accordingly.

Your Xcode Project is Generated Automatically

After running XcodeGen, your Xcode project is fully generated and ready to use. All folders, targets, schemes, and build settings are applied exactly as defined in your spec.

Why Use XcodeGen?

Eliminates Merge Conflicts

XcodeGen removes .xcodeproj files from Git and generates projects on demand, which drastically reduces merge conflicts in team environments.

Simplifies Complex Xcode Projects

Whether your project has multiple targets, schemes, or custom build settings, XcodeGen keeps everything organized automatically. You only need to customize what’s necessary.

Saves Time and Reduces Manual Errors

Automatically generating your project means no manual edits in Xcode, which saves time and minimizes mistakes during setup or configuration.

Scales Easily for Large Teams and Projects

XcodeGen supports multiple targets and shared build settings, making it ideal for teams working on large or complex projects without slowing down collaboration.

Supported Environments

XcodeGen works seamlessly with the latest versions of macOS and Xcode, ensuring full compatibility with modern development setups. It fully supports Swift, YAML, and JSON, allowing you to define your project structure, configurations, and build settings in a format that integrates smoothly into your development workflow.

To make this section visually appealing and developer-friendly, include badges or icons representing Swift, YAML, and JSON.
These icons help users quickly identify compatibility and give the homepage a modern, professional look.
Optionally, you can place the badges horizontally under the text or inside cards for a clean layout.

				
					[ Swift Icon ]  [ YAML Icon ]  [ JSON Icon ]

This immediately communicates that XcodeGen is compatible with all major developer tools and formats.

Project Specification Example

Discover how XcodeGen makes Xcode project configuration simple and maintainable. Use YAML or JSON to define targets, sources, build settings, and schemes—all without manually editing Xcode projects.

Example 1: App with Multiple Targets

				
					name: MyAppSuite
targets:
  MyApp:
    type: application
    platform: iOS
    sources: [MyApp/Sources]
  MyAppTests:
    type: bundle.unit-test
    platform: iOS
    sources: [MyAppTests]
    dependencies:
      - target: MyApp

Define an app with a separate unit test target. Dependencies are automatically managed, so your tests link to the main app effortlessly.

Example 2: Shared Build Settings Across Targets

				
					name: MyAppSuite
targets:
  MyApp:
    type: appname: SharedSettingsApp
options:
  bundleIdPrefix: com.example
settings:
  base:
    SWIFT_VERSION: 5.1
    IPHONEOS_DEPLOYMENT_TARGET: '14.0'
targets:
  AppOne:
    type: application
    platform: iOS
    sources: [AppOne/Sources]
  AppTwo:
    type: application
    platform: iOS
    sources: [AppTwo/Sources]
lication
    platform: iOS
    sources: [MyApp/Sources]
  MyAppTests:
    type: bundle.unit-test
    platform: iOS
    sources: [MyAppTests]
    dependencies:
      - target: MyApp

Apply shared build settings like Swift version and deployment target across multiple targets. Ensures consistency and reduces repetition.

Example 3: Custom Configurations and Schemes

				
					name: ConfiguredApp
configs:
  Debug: debug
  Release: release
schemes:
  MyApp-Debug:
    build:
      targets: [MyApp]
    run:
      config: Debug
  MyApp-Release:
    build:
      targets: [MyApp]
    run:
      config: Release
targets:
  MyApp:
    type: application
    platform: iOS
    sources: [MyApp/Sources]

Define custom configurations and schemes for Debug and Release builds. XcodeGen automatically generates schemes for easy environment switching.

Ready to streamline your Xcode projects?

Take control of your Xcode projects with XcodeGen. Generate projects instantly, avoid merge conflicts, and simplify your workflow—perfect for individual developers and teams alike.

Testimonials

"XcodeGen has completely streamlined our Xcode project setup—no more merge conflicts!"

"A must-have tool for any team managing multiple targets and configurations."

"With XcodeGen, setting up new targets takes minutes instead of hours—our workflow has never been smoother!"

Frequently Asked Questions

What is XcodeGen?

XcodeGen is a Swift-based command-line tool that generates Xcode projects from a folder structure and a project specification written in YAML or JSON.

Why should I use XcodeGen instead of managing .xcodeproj manually?

Manually editing .xcodeproj files often leads to merge conflicts and inconsistencies. XcodeGen eliminates this by generating projects on demand from a single, maintainable spec file.

Does XcodeGen replace Xcode?

No. XcodeGen works alongside Xcode. It generates .xcodeproj files for you, but you still use Xcode for coding, debugging, and building apps.

What file formats does XcodeGen support for project specs?

You can define your project specification in either YAML or JSON.

Is XcodeGen open source?

Yes. XcodeGen is an open-source project available on GitHub, with contributions from developers worldwide.

Can I remove .xcodeproj from Git when using XcodeGen?

Yes. That’s one of the main benefits. Since projects are generated on demand, you no longer need to track .xcodeproj in version control, avoiding merge conflicts.

How do I install XcodeGen?

				
					brew install xcodegen

Can XcodeGen handle multiple targets?

Yes. XcodeGen is designed to manage complex projects with multiple targets, configurations, and shared settings.

Does XcodeGen support custom build settings?

Yes. You can define custom build settings in your YAML/JSON spec and even share them across multiple targets.

How does XcodeGen handle schemes?

XcodeGen can automatically generate schemes for test, production, or any other environment you define.

Can XcodeGen be integrated with CI/CD pipelines?

Absolutely. Since it’s a CLI tool, you can run XcodeGen as part of your CI/CD pipeline to ensure reproducible project setups.

Does XcodeGen work with Swift Package Manager (SPM)?

Yes. You can define SPM dependencies in your project spec, and XcodeGen will include them in the generated project.

Can I use CocoaPods or Carthage with XcodeGen?

Yes. XcodeGen supports popular dependency managers like CocoaPods and Carthage through configuration in your project spec.

Will XcodeGen change my folder structure?

No. XcodeGen preserves your folder hierarchy exactly as it is while properly referencing files in the generated project.

Is XcodeGen suitable for large teams?

Yes. XcodeGen is ideal for teams, as it prevents .xcodeproj conflicts and ensures everyone works with consistent project configurations.

Does XcodeGen support iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS projects?

Yes. XcodeGen supports all Apple platforms, making it suitable for any Xcode-based project.

Do I need to learn YAML/JSON to use XcodeGen?

Basic YAML or JSON knowledge is required, but XcodeGen comes with sensible defaults, so you only need to define what’s necessary.

Can I migrate an existing project to XcodeGen?

Yes. You can convert your existing .xcodeproj into a YAML/JSON spec and then start managing your project with XcodeGen.

Does XcodeGen support advanced project setups?

Yes. XcodeGen supports complex configurations, shared build settings, environment-specific schemes, and advanced customization.

Is XcodeGen actively maintained?

Yes. XcodeGen is actively maintained by the open-source community, with frequent updates to support the latest Xcode and Swift versions.

XcodeGen – Automate Xcode Project Generation

XcodeGen automates Xcode project generation from YAML or JSON specs. Save time, avoid merge conflicts, and streamline development.

Price: Free

Price Currency: $

Operating System: IOS

Application Category: Software

Editor's Rating:
4.7