Softimage SDK Programmer's Guide > Customizing Softimage using the SDK > Building and Deploying Customizations > Add-on Packages >

# Packaging Add-ons

This section explains how to create an .xsiaddon file from an Add-on directory (this is referred to as packaging by location).

Before you package an add-on, make sure the add-on directory contains only the files and folders you want to ship:

- Delete any temporary files and folders.

- Compile Release versions of any DLLS (not Debug versions).

Note that you can exclude directories when you create the add-on package. For example, if you keep any C++ source code in a separate folder, you can just exclude the folder from the package.

## To package an Add-on directory as an .xsiaddon

1. In the Plug-in Tree, expand the workgroup that contains the Add-on directory, right-click an add-on, and choose Package Add-on.

   The Package Location Options dialog box appears, with the Source folder set to the root folder of the add-on you right-clicked.

   You can also open the Package Location Options dialog box by choosing File Add-On Package Location in the main Softimage menu bar. If you do this, the default Source folder is the Addons folder in your User location.

2. If the Add-on directory contains folders you don't want to include in the .xsiaddon file, type the names of the folders in the Directories to Exclude box. Use semi-colons (;) to separate folder names.

3. By default, the .xsiaddon file is created in the Addons folder of the workgroup. If you want to create the file in a different folder, click beside the Destination box and locate the folder.

   If you want to change the default name of the .xsiaddon file (for example, you may want to include a version number in the file name), type the name in the Destination box.

4. Under Author, fill in any contact information you want to include with the add-on. This information will be displayed on the add-ons tab in XSI Local.

5. In the Description box, type a brief description for the add-on. This description will be displayed on the add-ons tab in XSI Local.

6. Click OK to create the .xsiaddon file.