How to package a JavaFX modular app with one-click in IntelliJ IDEA?

Situation

Developers seeking to package modular JavaFX applications often encounter challenges in configuring Maven plugins for streamlined workflows and achieving seamless integration with IntelliJ IDEA's build system.

Question

How can a modular JavaFX application be packaged in IntelliJ IDEA using a single action to produce either a fat JAR or a native macOS app bundle?

Example:

I’m building a modular JavaFX application (Java 23) and want to streamline the packaging process so I can produce a native macOS bundle (an .app) or a “fat” JAR with a single click in IntelliJ IDE—similar to how I run it via Run ▶

So far, I’ve tried:

• Adding the JavaFX Maven Plugin with both jlink and jpackage goals
• Integrating the Maven Shade Plugin to produce a self-contained JAR
• Defining my modular mainClass in both plugins
• Manually supplying --module-path when launching the shaded JAR

However, I consistently hit these roadblocks:

• Plugin resolution errors for certain versions of javafx-maven-plugin when adding <goal>jpackage</goal>.
• Duplicate <version> tag errors when merging plugin blocks in my POM.
• Missing JavaFX runtime errors when double-clicking the JAR or invoking java -jar.
• No single IntelliJ build action that runs clean → compile → jlink → jpackage (or shade) under the hood - each step must be invoked manually via the Maven tool window or the shell.

Could you please advise on:

1. Recommended plugin versions and minimal POM configuration for a modular JavaFX app that supports both jlink + jpackage on macOS (Apple Silicon or Intel) with Java 23?
2. How to configure IntelliJ build/run goals so that one click or keyboard shortcut invokes the entire packaging lifecycle and produces a runnable native .app (or fat JAR) without extra command-line flags?
3. POM structure tips to avoid duplicate tags and to ensure Maven Shade’s manifest correctly points at my com.example.smartcents.HelloApplication module?
4. Any sample POM snippet or instructions to set up an IntelliJ Maven run configuration (combining multiple goals) would be extremely helpful.

Answer

To package a modular JavaFX application with a single action in IntelliJ IDEA, follow these steps:

1. Set up Maven configuration:

   Maven structure and version specifics can be found in the attached test project.

   Make sure to check the README file in the test project for the overview and extra examples.

2. Create IntelliJ build configurations:

   You can create a separate run configuration for each Maven command. For example, clean package -P package-all to build all targets (fat JAR and native application), or clean javafx:jlink jpackage:jpackage to build only the native app.

3. Execute Run Configurations quickly: Utilize the "Run Anything" dialog (Invoke with Ctrl+Ctrl or Cmd+Cmd keys) to execute any pre-defined or ad-hoc Maven goals quickly.

   

Following this approach, you will establish a repeatable, one-click setup for packaging your JavaFX modular application either as a runnable JAR or a native macOS app bundle.