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🛠️ Flutter development setup

Setup Visual Studio Code to build your Wrapply Flutter source code

If you downloaded the complete Flutter source code from Wrapply, you can open it in Visual Studio Code, install Flutter and Dart tools, configure Android and iOS environments, run the app locally and build APK, AAB or IPA files in a few minutes.

What you need to install

To build a Flutter app from Wrapply source code, install the editor, Flutter SDK and the platform tools required for Android or iOS builds.

Android builds can be created on Windows, macOS or Linux. iOS builds require macOS and Xcode.

Install VS Code Flutter extensions

After installing Visual Studio Code, add the official Flutter and Dart extensions. These extensions provide syntax support, debugging, Flutter commands and device selection directly inside VS Code.

Open Visual Studio Code

Launch VS Code after installation.

Open Extensions

Click the Extensions icon on the left sidebar or press Ctrl + Shift + X on Windows/Linux or Cmd + Shift + X on macOS.

Install Flutter

Search for Flutter and install the official Flutter extension. The Dart extension is usually installed automatically as a dependency.

Restart VS Code

Restart the editor after installing the extensions to make sure all Flutter tools are loaded correctly.

Open your Wrapply source code

The source code package generated by Wrapply is a complete Flutter project. Open the root folder, not a single file.

Extract the ZIP file

Download the source code ZIP from the Wrapply email and extract it into a clean folder on your computer.

Open the project folder

In VS Code, choose File → Open Folder and select the root folder containing pubspec.yaml.

Open the terminal

In VS Code, open Terminal → New Terminal. The terminal should start inside your project folder.

Install dependencies

Run flutter pub get to download all packages used by the generated app.

First project command:
flutter pub get

Check your Flutter environment

Before building, verify that Flutter can detect your editor, Android SDK, devices and iOS tools if you are on macOS.

Run Flutter Doctor

This command checks whether Flutter, Android SDK, Xcode and connected devices are correctly configured.

Fix missing Android licenses

If Flutter reports Android license issues, accept them with flutter doctor --android-licenses.

Connect or start a device

Use an Android emulator, a physical Android device, an iOS simulator on Mac, or a real iPhone with Xcode signing configured.

Environment commands:
flutter doctor
flutter doctor --android-licenses
flutter devices

Build the app in a few minutes

Once the project is open and dependencies are installed, you can run and build the app using standard Flutter commands.

Run the app locally
Use this to test the app on an emulator or connected device.
Build Android APK
Creates an installable Android file for testing, demos or direct installation.
Build Android AAB
Creates a Google Play-ready Android App Bundle.
Build iOS IPA
Requires macOS, Xcode and Apple signing. Used for Apple distribution workflows.
Quick build commands:
flutter pub get
flutter run
flutter build apk --release
flutter build appbundle --release
flutter build ipa --release
If you only need Android output, APK and AAB builds are usually the fastest path. For iOS, make sure Xcode signing, Bundle Identifier and Apple Developer configuration are ready.

Where the build files are created

After running build commands, Flutter creates output files inside the build folder.

APK output
Usually generated in build/app/outputs/flutter-apk/.
AAB output
Usually generated in build/app/outputs/bundle/release/.
iOS archive / IPA
Generated through Flutter and Xcode depending on your signing and archive workflow.
Build folder
This folder is generated automatically. You normally do not edit it manually.

Before creating production builds

Before publishing on Google Play or the App Store, review identity, branding and permissions.

App name
Update the name shown on the device and in store metadata.
Android package name
Use a unique package name such as com.company.appname.
iOS bundle identifier
Use a unique Bundle ID configured in Xcode and App Store Connect.
App icon
Replace the default icon with your final brand icon.
Permissions
Check AndroidManifest.xml and iOS Info.plist if you use camera, location, notifications or file access.
Version number
Update version and build number before submitting new releases.

Recommended workflow for Wrapply projects

This is the simplest workflow when you receive the complete Flutter source code.

Generate your app with Wrapply

Use the online tool to configure AppBar, BottomNavigationBar, FloatingActionButton and receive ready files by email.

Download the Flutter source code

Extract the source code and open it in VS Code.

Run the project

Use flutter pub get and flutter run to test the app locally.

Make deeper customizations

Modify UI, navigation, app name, package name, icons, Firebase integrations or mobile-specific logic from the code.

Build production files

Generate APK, AAB or IPA depending on your target platform.

Common setup issues

VS Code does not recognize Flutter

Make sure Flutter SDK is installed, added to your PATH and that the Flutter extension is installed in VS Code.

Android build fails because licenses are missing

Run flutter doctor --android-licenses and accept the required Android SDK licenses.

No devices are detected

Start an emulator, connect a physical device or run flutter devices to check available targets.

iOS build fails on Windows

iOS builds require macOS and Xcode. On Windows you can build Android APK/AAB, but iOS needs a Mac or managed iOS support.

Need help building or publishing?

Wrapply can generate signed Android files, assist with iOS builds, apply deeper customizations from source code and manage store publishing for clients.