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IzPack

izpack.org

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Spec score 7.6 #21 of 29 in Software Packaging Tools

What it is

IzPack generates installers for packaging, distributing and deploying Java applications. It creates one installer that runs on operating systems with a Java virtual machine, with Windows, Linux, Solaris and Mac OS X listed as destinations. Users can select installer components and appearance, then extend installers with additional features. Optional native integration can create desktop shortcuts, modify a system registry or switch to an administrator account. Documented capabilities include command-line packaging, silent installation, auto-update support and CI/CD integration. Output includes standard JAR installers, web installers and pack JARs. The download page identifies IzPack 5.2.7 as the current release. A Maven plugin is documented, with links to independent Gradle, Scala SBT and Apache Buildr plugins. IzPack is published under the Apache Software License 2.0. The project uses mailing lists for updates and feedback and accepts GitHub pull requests. The Windows native launcher from IzPack 4 is not supported in version 5 because it lacks a maintainer.

Spec sheet

Purpose
IzPack packages, distributes, and deploys applications on the Java platform by generating installers.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org
License
IzPack is published under the Apache Software License, Version 2.0.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org
Founded
2001Read 28 Sep 2026 · izpack.org
Build integrations
The download page documents a Maven plugin and links to independent Gradle, Scala SBT, and Apache Buildr plugins.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org
Community support
The project directs users to mailing lists for updates and feedback and invites contributions through GitHub pull requests.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org
Current release
The download page identifies IzPack 5.2.7 as the current release.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org
Customization
Users can choose the elements and appearance of an installer and extend it with additional features.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org
Installer format
IzPack generates a single installer that runs on operating systems with a Java virtual machine.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.atlassian.net
Native integration
Generated installers can optionally create desktop shortcuts, manipulate a system registry, or switch to an administrator account during installation.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org
Native launcher limitation
The Windows native launcher available with IzPack 4 is not supported in IzPack 5 because it lacks a maintainer.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org
Operating systems
The maker lists Microsoft Windows, Linux, Solaris, and Mac OS X as supported installer destinations.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org
Security and compliance
The opened maker pages describe the Apache 2.0 license but do not state security certifications or compliance attestations.Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org

Plans and prices

IzPack Free Apache License 2.0 · no paid plans listed Read 2 Oct 2026 · izpack.org

Every IzPack plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free Apache 2.0 software
  • Supports Windows, Linux, Solaris and macOS
  • Customizable installer components and appearance
  • Silent and command-line installation
  • CI/CD integration documented

Limits

  • IzPack 4 Windows native launcher unsupported in version 5
  • Java virtual machine required on destination systems
  • No paid plans listed

Who it suits

IzPack suits developers distributing Java applications across desktop operating systems. It fits teams needing customizable installers and build-pipeline integration without a paid plan.

Verdict

IzPack provides customizable Java installers with broad listed operating-system targets and build integrations. Note the unsupported Windows native launcher carried over from version 4.

Where Specifiction places it

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