How to Export Electron.js App with Electron Builder (Cross-Platform Setup)

If you’ve built a powerful cross-platform desktop app using Electron.js, the next step is to package it for production so users can install and run it on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Electron Builder to export your app with a configuration that supports:

• 💻 Windows .exe installer via NSIS
• 🍎 macOS .dmg image
• 🐧 Linux .AppImage and .deb packages

We’ll also use build commands like build:win, build:mac, and build:linux to generate exports per platform.

Project Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• A working Electron app with main.js and index.html
• Node.js and npm or yarn installed
• Icons for your app (.ico, .icns, and .png)
• Electron and Electron Builder installed

Example Project Structure

/electron-app
  ├── main.js
  ├── index.html
  ├── assets/
  │    └── icon.ico / icon.icns / icon.png
  └── package.json

Step 1: Install Electron and Electron Builder

Install as dev dependencies:

npm install --save-dev electron electron-builder

Step 2: Configure package.json

Add the build block

"build": {
  "appId": "com.example.electronapp",
  "productName": "Electron Test APP",
  "icon": "assets/icon",
  "win": {
    "target": "nsis"
  },
  "linux": {
    "target": ["AppImage", "deb"]
  },
  "mac": {
    "target": "dmg"
  },
  "nsis": {
    "oneClick": false,
    "perMachine": true,
    "allowToChangeInstallationDirectory": true
  }
}

Add helpful scripts

"scripts": {
  "start": "electron .",
  "dev": "nodemon --watch * --exec electron .",
  "build": "electron-builder",
  "build:mac": "electron-builder --mac",
  "build:win": "electron-builder --win",
  "build:linux": "electron-builder --linux"
}

Step 3: Run Export Commands

Start the App Locally

npm start

or for live reloading during development:

npm run dev

Build for All Platforms (current OS only)

npm run build

Build for Windows (.exe)

npm run build:win

Generates an .exe installer with NSIS wizard flow
Located inside /dist/Electron Test APP Setup 1.0.0.exe

Build for macOS (.dmg)

npm run build:mac

Only works on macOS (or CI with macOS runners)
Output: /dist/Electron Test APP-1.0.0.dmg

Build for Linux (.AppImage + .deb)

npm run build:linux

Works on Linux or WSL
Output includes:

/dist
  ├── electron-test-app-1.0.0.AppImage
  └── electron-test-app_1.0.0_amd64.deb

Electron App index Page Preview:

Window dist folder Preview for .exe file

Troubleshooting Tips

Final Thoughts

Electron Builder makes it easy to build cross-platform installers with a few commands. With your setup:

• You’ve added per-platform build scripts
• You’re generating installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Your Electron app is now ready to ship to the world