InstallShield vs pkgcreator

Struggling to choose between InstallShield and pkgcreator? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

InstallShield is a Development solution with tags like setup, installer, deployment, packaging.

It boasts features such as Create installers for Windows, macOS, Linux, Support for MSI, EXE, AppX installers, Wizard-driven interface, Multiple languages support, Custom actions and logic, Version checking capabilities, Integration with build tools, Virtualization support, Patching capabilities, Rollback functionality, Administrative installs and pros including Wide platform and installer format support, Intuitive visual interface, Powerful customization options, Robust patching and upgrading features, Integration with popular build tools, Good technical support.

On the other hand, pkgcreator is a Development product tagged with packaging, installer, bundles, executables, dmg, appx, exe.

Its standout features include Supports multiple package formats (DMG, EXE, APPX, etc.), Allows bundling of applications and dependencies, Customizable package metadata and branding, Automated package signing and notarization, Command-line and GUI interfaces, Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux), and it shines with pros like Open-source and free to use, Simplifies the packaging process for developers, Supports a wide range of target platforms, Provides a consistent and professional-looking package experience for users, Automates tasks like signing and notarization.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

InstallShield

InstallShield

InstallShield is a software tool used to create installers or setup packages for distributing software to end users. It simplifies the complex process of making installers for Windows and other platforms.

Categories:
Development Installer Tools
setup installer deployment packaging

InstallShield Features

  1. Create installers for Windows, macOS, Linux
  2. Support for MSI, EXE, AppX installers
  3. Wizard-driven interface
  4. Multiple languages support
  5. Custom actions and logic
  6. Version checking capabilities
  7. Integration with build tools
  8. Virtualization support
  9. Patching capabilities
  10. Rollback functionality
  11. Administrative installs

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Wide platform and installer format support

Intuitive visual interface

Powerful customization options

Robust patching and upgrading features

Integration with popular build tools

Good technical support

Cons

Steep learning curve

Complex pricing model

Limited trial version

Can be overkill for simple installers

pkgcreator

pkgcreator

pkgcreator is an open-source tool for creating installable software packages for various platforms. It allows developers to bundle their applications into native package formats like DMG, EXE, APPX etc. for easy distribution.

Categories:
Development Packaging Tools
packaging installer bundles executables dmg appx exe

Pkgcreator Features

  1. Supports multiple package formats (DMG, EXE, APPX, etc.)
  2. Allows bundling of applications and dependencies
  3. Customizable package metadata and branding
  4. Automated package signing and notarization
  5. Command-line and GUI interfaces
  6. Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open-source and free to use

Simplifies the packaging process for developers

Supports a wide range of target platforms

Provides a consistent and professional-looking package experience for users

Automates tasks like signing and notarization

Cons

Limited to packaging applications, no other functionality

May require some learning curve for non-technical users

Dependency on external tools and services for certain features (e.g., code signing)