Understanding Apple’s Info.plist File

The Info.plist file is a crucial configuration file used by macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications. It contains metadata about the application, such as its name, version, and developer information. In this article, we will delve into the world of Info.plist files and explore how to change the name displayed next to your application’s icon.

What is CFBundleDisplayName?

CFBundleDisplayName is a key-value pair in the Info.plist file that specifies the display name for the application. This value is used by Apple’s operating systems to display the application’s name next to its icon on the Launchpad, dock, and other places throughout the operating system.

Understanding the Importance of CFBundleDisplayName

CFBundleDisplayName is an important setting because it allows you to customize the name displayed for your application without modifying the actual application name. This can be useful in various scenarios, such as:

• Creating a shorter name that still accurately represents your application
• Developing applications with multiple versions or variants
• Branding your application with a unique identifier

How to Change CFBundleDisplayName in Info.plist

To change CFBundleDisplayName, you will need to edit the Info.plist file of your application project. Here are the steps:

1. Open Xcode and navigate to your project
   • Select your project in the Project Navigator
   • Click on the “Info.plist” file in the Project Navigator
2. Find the CFBundleDisplayName key
   • In the Info.plist editor, search for the “CFBundleDisplayName” key
   • This key should be located under the “Plug-ins” section of your Info.plist file

Setting Different Display Names for iPad and iPhone

Unfortunately, there is no direct way to set different CFBundleDisplayName values for iPad and iPhone using standard Info.plist settings. However, you can use Apple’s Universal Links feature to create a custom URL scheme that distinguishes between iOS devices.

Here’s an example of how you can configure your Info.plist file with a custom URL scheme:

{
  "CFBundleURLTypes": [
    {
      "CFBundleURLSchemes": ["yourcompanyapp"],
      "CFBundleURLName": "YourCompanyApp"
    }
  ]
}

In this configuration, the yourcompanyapp scheme will be used as the URL scheme for your application. On iOS devices, you can then use a custom URL to redirect to your application’s entry point.

Using Apple’s Universal Links Feature

To enable Universal Links on iOS devices, you’ll need to create an entitlement in your Xcode project and configure your Info.plist file accordingly:

1. Create an entitlement
   • Go to the Entitlements Editor (Product > Edit Entitlements)
   • Search for “applinks:yourcompanyapp”
   • Click on the entitlement
2. Configure your Info.plist file
   • In the Info.plist editor, add a new key called apple-app-site-association
   • This key is used to specify the mapping between custom URLs and your application’s entry point

{
  "apple-app-site-association": [
    {
      "appID": "yourcompanyapp",
      "paths": ["/path/to/your/application"]
    }
  ]
}

In this configuration, the yourcompanyapp app ID is mapped to the /path/to/your/application path.

Conclusion

Changing the name displayed next to your application’s icon requires careful configuration of your Info.plist file. While there is no direct way to set different CFBundleDisplayName values for iPad and iPhone, you can use Apple’s Universal Links feature to create a custom URL scheme that distinguishes between iOS devices. By following these steps and using the appropriate keys in your Info.plist file, you can customize your application’s name while maintaining consistency across different iOS platforms.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Troubleshooting CFBundleDisplayName-related issues requires patience and attention to detail. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• CFBundleDisplayName not showing up
  • Check that the CFBundleDisplayName key is correctly spelled and formatted
  • Verify that the Info.plist file is correct and has been saved properly

{
  "CFBundleDisplayName": "Your Company App"
}

• CFBundleDisplayName truncated or distorted
  • Make sure that the display name does not exceed the recommended character limit (50 characters)
  • Use a shorter display name to avoid truncation

{
  "CFBundleDisplayName": "Your Company App - Shortened Version"
}

• Multiple CFBundleDisplayName values causing conflicts
  • Make sure that each CFBundleDisplayName value is unique and correctly formatted
  • Use separate Info.plist files for different applications or configurations if necessary

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve common issues related to CFBundleDisplayName and ensure a seamless user experience across different iOS platforms.

Last modified on 2025-02-14