Create a project¶

Paquet Builder saves all of its settings (the project) in a file called a project file (with the extension .pbpx). You can use the Load/Save button to open or save project files at any time. However, before saving a project, you need to create a new one.

To create a project file, select New Project from the Application Button menu or click New in the ribbon. The following window will appear:

After creating a project, the next step is to complete the basic information fields.

Which package type should you select?¶

Paquet Builder allows you to create three types of packages: Standard Package, Package for a Setup Routine (or Multimedia program), and Archive File.

Warning

Carefully read the description of each package type, as each has unique features and functionality. Additionally, the type of project cannot be changed once it has been created.

Standard Package¶

This is the most commonly used package type. It is ideal for distributing files, programs, and documents. You or your end users can specify a default folder where files will be unpacked. Standard packages also include advanced options unavailable in other package types, such as File Custom Destination, Shortcut creation, and Package Uninstaller.
Recommended in 95% of cases.

Package for a Setup Routine¶

Also known as a "Setup Package" or "Package for a Multimedia Program," this type is designed for software developers who want to package their existing setups, installation program files, or multimedia presentations into a single Self-Installing or Self-running .exe file. This is ideal for distribution over the Internet, networks, or removable media. The package extracts files to a temporary folder and launches the specified installation program. Once the program finishes, the temporary files are removed.
Recommended for cases where you already have a setup routine, such as Microsoft Windows Installer packages (MSI), InstallShield setups, or PowerPoint Viewer presentations.

Tip

If you want to create a brand-new setup routine for a software program using Paquet Builder, you should create a Standard Package, not a Package for a Setup Routine.

Archive File¶

This type compresses your files into a traditional 7-Zip archive file (with the extension .7z). It does not include Self-Extracting functionality, meaning you will need a third-party program, such as 7-Zip, to unpack the archive contents.

However, the archive can still be used later in Paquet Builder through the "Existing Archive" option in the file manager.