# Custom Configuration

Last updated: August 14, 2026

This page explains how to create and deploy macOS custom configuration profiles in ManageEngine MDM for enforcing policies not natively supported by built-in MDM profiles. It guides users through building profiles with third-party tools such as Apple Configurator or ProfileCreator, uploading them to the MDM console, and publishing them to managed Apple devices. It also covers using dynamic variables to streamline user-specific configurations and recommends testing custom profiles on a test device before rolling out to a production environment.

MDM supports an extensive set of [policies and restrictions](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mac/mdm_mac_configuration_profiles.html) which can be configured on the MDM server. For the policies which are currently not supported by MDM, you can create custom configuration profiles using third-party tools like [Apple Configurator](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/how-to/mdm-create-custom-profiles-apple-configurator.html), [ProfileCreator](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/how-to/mdm-create-custom-configuration-profile-creator.html), or manually create them using text editors. To facilitate user specific configurations, use dynamic variables. Dynamic variables ensure policies in the custom profiles need not be configured separately for each user, as they automatically fetch the required details from the enrollment data. [Click here](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_dynamic_variables.html) to learn more about dynamic variables.

Custom configuration is available in **Professional, Free** and **Trial editions**. Visit [Edition comparison matrix](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/edition-comparison-matrix.html) for more information.

It is recommended to configure custom profiles only to distribute policies *currently unavailable* in MDM.

## Procedure

1. Create custom configuration profiles using third-party tools (Apple Configurator, Profile Creator, etc) and configure policies which are currently not supported by MDM.
2. On the MDM console, go to **Device Mgmt** -> **Profiles** -> **Create Profile** -> **Apple**. Provide the requisite profile details and click on Continue. On the left pane, select **Custom Configuration**.
3. Drag and drop the configuration profile created earlier or click on **Upload Configuration** and upload it.
4. After uploading the profile successfully, save and publish it. Custom configuration profiles can later be associated with managed Apple devices.

After creating custom configurations, you can [associate the profiles to devices](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_associating_profiles_to_devices.html) or [to groups](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/profile_management/mdm_associating_profiles_to_groups.html) according to the requirement. However, it is recommended to test the custom configurations on a test device before associating it with your production environment.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Which tools can I use to create a custom configuration profile?**

You can use third-party tools such as Apple Configurator or ProfileCreator, or manually create the profile using a text editor.

**When should I use a custom configuration profile instead of a built-in one?**

Use custom configuration only to distribute policies that are not currently supported natively by MDM's built-in profiles.

**Are dynamic variables supported in custom configuration profiles?**

Yes. Dynamic variables let you avoid configuring user-specific values separately for each user by automatically fetching the required details from enrollment data.