---
id: pbxproj
version: "4.3.3"
license: MIT
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: aging
---

# pbxproj — XCode Project manipulation library for Python

License: permissive · Maintenance: aging · Downloads: 89.1K/mo

## What it is and what it does

pbxproj is a Python library for programmatic manipulation of Xcode project files (.pbxproj). It parses and modifies the project configuration without requiring Xcode to be open, enabling automation of repetitive tasks like adding source files, adjusting build settings, and configuring linker flags. The library works with Xcode 4 and later projects, reading the project file format and exposing a Python API to make changes that would otherwise require manual UI interaction.

The package depends on docopt for command-line interface support and openstep-parser to handle the underlying file format. It's designed for developers who need to script Xcode project modifications as part of build pipelines, CI/CD workflows, or project generation tools. The library maintains the project file structure correctly so that Xcode recognizes the changes on subsequent loads.

Use it for:

- Automate adding source files to an Xcode project as part of a code generation or build script.
- Set compiler flags and linker options programmatically without manual Xcode configuration.
- Generate or modify Xcode projects in CI/CD pipelines for automated builds and testing.
- Batch-modify build settings across multiple targets or projects in a single script.
- Integrate project file changes into custom build tools or project scaffolding utilities.

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Reads, modifies, and writes Xcode .pbxproj project files programmatically, allowing automation of tasks like adding files and setting compiler flags without opening Xcode.

Yes, if you need to automate Xcode project modifications. The package has low install friction, permissive licensing, and no known vulnerabilities. However, the aging maintenance status (last release 191 days ago) means you should verify compatibility with your specific Xcode version before relying on it for critical workflows. For one-off scripting or established projects, it remains a practical choice.

## Install

pip install pbxproj
uv add pbxproj
poetry add pbxproj

## Installing pbxproj

Before you install: Low install friction with only two runtime dependencies (docopt and openstep-parser). Last release was 191 days ago; maintenance status is aging, so expect slower response to issues but the package remains functional for current use.

License in practice: MIT license is permissive, allowing commercial and private use with minimal restrictions—you may use, modify, and distribute this package freely as long as you include the license notice.

Quickstart:

from pbxproj import XcodeProject
project = XcodeProject.load('myapp.xcodeproj/project.pbxproj')
project.add_file('MyClass.swift', force=False)
project.add_other_ldflags('-ObjC')
project.save()

Requires Python 3.10 or later.

Verify before relying:

- Scope of supported Xcode versions beyond '4+' and whether recent Xcode formats remain compatible.
- Whether the aging maintenance status affects compatibility with current Xcode releases.

## Package facts

- License: MIT (permissive)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: aging
- Downloads: 89.1K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

xcode project file manipulation, pbxproj parser python, automate xcode project changes, xcode build settings automation, ios project file editor, xcode project configuration script, xcode-automation, ios-build-tools

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