# How to create Custom Configuration profiles using Apple Configurator?

Last updated: July 24, 2026

This guide explains how to use Apple Configurator 2.0 on a Mac to build Custom Configuration profiles for policies not natively supported by Mobile Device Manager Plus, producing `.mobileconfig` or `.plist` files. Administrators create a new profile, provide the mandatory Name and Identifier (later overridden by the MDM profile name), select and configure the desired policy—optionally using dynamic variables—then save the profile. The resulting XML file is then associated with managed devices through MDM's Custom Configuration profile workflow.

## Description

Mobile Device Manager Plus (MDM) uses profiles as a mode to apply policies/configurations to managed devices. MDM, by itself supports an [extensive set of policies](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/ios/mdm_configuration_profiles.html?custappleconf) which can be configured and associated with your managed Apple devices. However, with the support for Custom Configuration profiles, you can also configure policies which are currently not supported by MDM. Custom Configuration profiles can be created using third-party tools like Apple Configurator or Profile Creator, and can be associated with your managed devices using Mobile Device Manager Plus. Follow the steps given below to find out how you can create custom MDM configurations.

Supported files are:

- `.mobileconfig`
- `.plist`

## Steps

1. On a Mac machine, open Apple Configurator 2.0 and go to **File** -> **New Profile**.

![How to create Custom Configuration profiles using Apple Configurator? illustration 3](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/custom_apple_configurator_1.png)

2. In the **General** tab, ensure the **Name** and the **Identifier** are provided, which are mandatory fields. However, MDM will override the same and replace it with the profile name which you subsequently specify on the MDM console.

![How to create Custom Configuration profiles using Apple Configurator? illustration 4](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/custom_apple_configurator_2.png)

3. On the left pane, select the policy you want to configure in the custom profile. Here, we have configured a lock screen message involving the use of dynamic variables; To facilitate user-specific configurations, MDM supports the use of dynamic variables. [Click here](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_dynamic_variables.html?custappleconf) to know more about dynamic variables and their purpose.

   **NOTE**: It is recommended to configure Custom Configuration profiles only to distribute policies **unavailable in MDM**.

![How to create Custom Configuration profiles using Apple Configurator? illustration 5](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/custom_apple_configurator_3.png)

4. Now, configure the policy according to your requirements. You can also configure multiple policies within a single profile.

![How to create Custom Configuration profiles using Apple Configurator? illustration 6](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/custom_apple_configurator_4.png)

5. Once done, click on **File** and **Save** the profile.

![How to create Custom Configuration profiles using Apple Configurator? illustration 7](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/custom_apple_configurator_5.png)

6. The following is the preview of the created XML file.

![How to create Custom Configuration profiles using Apple Configurator? illustration 8](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/custom_apple_configurator_7.png)

7. Find the Custom Configuration XML file and follow the [steps given here](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/ios/mdm_custom_configuration_profiles.html?custappleconf) to associate the it with your managed devices using MDM.

![How to create Custom Configuration profiles using Apple Configurator? illustration 9](https://cdn.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/images/custom_apple_configurator_6.png)

For steps to create Custom Configuration profiles using ProfileCreator, [click here](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/how-to/mdm-create-custom-configuration-profile-creator.html?custappleonf).

## Frequently asked questions

### Why would I use Apple Configurator to create a Custom Configuration profile?

Apple Configurator lets you configure policies that aren't natively supported by MDM. It's recommended only for policies unavailable in MDM, since supported policies can be configured directly on the MDM console.

### Do I need to fill in both Name and Identifier fields in Apple Configurator?

Yes, both are mandatory fields in the General tab, though MDM overrides them and replaces them with the profile name you specify later on the MDM console.

### Can I configure more than one policy in a single Custom Configuration profile?

Yes, multiple policies can be configured within a single profile in Apple Configurator before you save it.