The iOS distribution certificate ensures that the app's code originates from the organization that signed the app and has not been altered. 

Preparing the iOS Distribution Certificate

1. Sign in to your Apple Developer account and navigate to Certificates, IDs & Profiles > Certificates > Production.
2. Add a new certificate.
3. Set up a certificate of type Production and activate App Store and Ad Hoc.
   
   
4. Click Continue.
5. To proceed with the next step, you need a Certificate Signing Request (CSR). You leave the Apple Developer interface now and come back later when you have created a CSR. 
   
   

Preparing the Signing of the Certificate

You need a Mac for the next steps. In case you work on another operating system, contact Staffbase Support or your Customer Success Manager to get further support. 

1. On a Mac, open the Keychain Access program.
2. In the menu bar, navigate to Keychain Access > Certificate Assistant > Request a Certificate From a Certificate Authority.
   
   
3. The Certificate Assistant opens and creates a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) that is submitted to a certificate authority that verifies the information in the request.
4. Enter your Apple ID and email address in the dialog. 
5. Click Continue.
6. Select a folder for saving the CSR file.
7. Click Done.

Finalizing the iOS Distribution Certificate

1. Go back to the Apple Developer account where you started to create a certificate.
2. Click Continue.
   
   

    
3. Select the CSR file you just generated.
4. Click Continue.
   The certificate is created and signed. 
5. Download the newly created certificate.
6. Click Done.
   The certificates overview with your new certificate is displayed.

Creating the Certificate File to Send over to Staffbase

You need a Mac for the next steps. In case you work on another operating system contact Staffbase Support or your Customer Success Manager to get further support. 

Staffbase uses the iOS distribution certificate file to sign your app. With Keychain Access it is easy to export the required file. 

1. On a Mac open the Keychain Access program.
2. In the menu bar, navigate to Keychain Access > Import Items.
   
   
3. Select the certificate you just created.
4. In the Keychain Access window, go to the Certificates overview. 
5. Click on the arrow in front of the certificate.
   A second line with the private key is displayed. 
6. In the menu bar, navigate to File > Export Items. 
7. Select the file format ".p12".  
8. Select a folder where you collect this file and more files that will be created in the next steps. 
9. Enter a name. The name must begin with distribution_.
10. Click Save. 
11. Keep the file for sending it to Staffbase later.