Getting started
Install the iw Build Station, set it up on first launch and build your first Flutter project, from requirements to your first artifact.
The iw Build Station is a launcher with a memory, not a build system. It calls fvm flutter build … or your own shell script, files the artifacts in a stable place and cuts the way into the stores down to a few clicks. It always shows the exact command it runs, so every build stays reproducible in the terminal.
Requirements
| macOS | 12 or later, tested on Apple Silicon |
| Xcode | the full version from the App Store, not just the Command Line Tools |
| CocoaPods | for iOS and macOS builds: brew install cocoapods |
| fvm | recommended, otherwise flutter from your PATH is used |
| Android SDK | only for Android builds, together with a matching JDK |
Your projects can use different Flutter versions. Builds run through a login shell with the version set in each project.
Installation
- Download the DMG from the download page.
- Open it and drag the iw Build Station into the Programme (Applications) folder.
- Launch the app from Launchpad or via Spotlight.
The DMG is signed by inwendo and notarized by Apple, so macOS opens it without a detour through the security settings.
First launch
On first launch, a short Nutzungshinweis (terms of use notice) appears. It explains what the app does on your Mac and what you’re responsible for. You can only continue after ticking the checkbox and clicking Zustimmen und starten (agree and start).
Under Einstellungen › Toolchain (Settings › Toolchain) you can see which tools the Station found: fvm, flutter, git, java, xcrun, pod and zip. If something your builds need is missing, install it and check again. If a build still goes wrong, see When a build fails.
If your projects live on the Desktop, in Documents or in iCloud Drive, macOS asks once the first time they’re accessed. Granting Festplattenvollzugriff (Full Disk Access) under System Settings › Privacy & Security skips that prompt. It isn’t required.
Your first project
- Click + Projekt (+ Project) in the sidebar or drag a Flutter folder in from the Finder.
- The assistant reads
pubspec.yaml,.fvmrc, the Gradle and Xcode projects and suggests matching Presets. Accept the ones you need. - In the second step, check the name, Flutter version,
applicationId, bundle ID and store links. Everything is prefilled and can be changed later.
There’s more in Adding projects.
Your first build
In the Build tab, pick a preset, check the version and build number and click Build starten (start build). The log streams live. When the build is done, the artifact sits in the collection folder and the run shows up under Verlauf (History).
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| ⌘ R | repeat the last build |
| ⌘ . | cancel the running build |
Without a license you can create one project and build it as often as you like. For more projects and remote access, request a license – free for private use and for inwendo customers.