Compress the folderRight-click the Payload folder and select Compress (macOS) or Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder (Windows). You will now have a file named Payload.zip.
iOS is a "walled garden." You cannot simply install any IPA unless it is "signed" by a developer certificate or a service like AltStore or Sideloadly.
Open and ensure file extensions are visible. (If not, click the View tab at the top and check the box for File name extensions ). Right-click the .zip file and select Rename . Change the trailing .zip text to .ipa . convert zip to ipa
Every valid .ipa must contain a folder exactly named Payload .
Application.ipa (or .zip) └── Payload/ └── Application.app/ ├── Info.plist ├── PkgInfo ├── Assets.car └── [Embedded Frameworks and Resources] Use code with caution. Compress the folderRight-click the Payload folder and select
Check the box next to . (On Windows 11, click View →right arrow Show →right arrow File name extensions ). Step 2: Verify the Internal Structure
If the manual method seems complicated or the source code is different (e.g., you are trying to convert source code), you can use web-based tools. Open and ensure file extensions are visible
Understanding the "why" is crucial. There are two primary scenarios where you need to manipulate these file formats: