What build/sign steps required for app to access files?

Xojo
1

I liked Marc Zeeder’s comic downloader app in the latest XDev issue so much I decided to customize it for my personal use. What do I have to set up in the build and sign section to allow it to operate without having to answer the following popup every time? Happens to both debug and build apps.

“My Comic Downloader.debug” would like to access files in your Documents folder.

MacOS 15.7

Xojo 2025r2.1

2

You need to remove anywhere that’s coded to use SpecialFolder.Documents

3

What is the replacement code to get the Documents folderItem?

4

Basically application is not allowed to access files without permission. Either via grant permission (the popup you see) or via Open or Save file dialogs. That is just how macOS works nowadays more or less.

5

Applications Support folder does not ask permission, but it may not be in line with the functions of that app

6

You have to set some key in the plist file. Don’t know which one - that’s what I use App Wrapper for - everything’s spelled out so you don’t have to hunt and guess.

7

I put the data file in the Application Support folder and the other support files (Xojo script, etc.) in the app’s folder in the Applications folder. That solved the problem.

8

Not for Documents. That is why I had written my instructions as they are.

Here’s where you can ask for permission in App Wrapper:

Screenshot 2026-09-12 at 15.03.07
Screenshot 2026-09-12 at 15.03.071114×334 67.2 KB

Here’s where it’s done in Xojo:

Screenshot 2026-09-12 at 15.04.29
Screenshot 2026-09-12 at 15.04.291998×1210 238 KB

9

Those are called “Entitlements”. And just to be fair to everyone, they are ultimately just plist entries.