pkgcreator vs InstallShield

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

pkgcreator is a Development solution with tags like packaging, installer, bundles, executables, dmg, appx, exe.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

On the other hand, InstallShield is a Development product tagged with setup, installer, deployment, packaging.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

Feature	pkgcreator	InstallShield
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

pkgcreator

Description: 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.

InstallShield

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

pkgcreator Features

• 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)

InstallShield Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

pkgcreator

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)

InstallShield

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

Pricing Comparison

pkgcreator

• Open Source

InstallShield

• One-time Purchase
• Subscription-Based