---
title: Setting up a watchOS project
framework: watchos-apps
role: collectionGroup
path: watchos-apps/setting-up-a-watchos-project
---

# Setting up a watchOS project

Create a new watchOS project or add a watch target to an existing iOS project.

## Overview

Overview Before you start a new watchOS project, you need to decide how you’re going to distribute that project: as a watch-only app or as a watchOS app with an iOS app. If your app is only available on Apple Watch, create a new watch-only project. If you want both a watchOS and an iOS app that deliver related experiences, either create a new watchOS app with a companion iOS app or add a watchOS target to an existing iOS project. Create a new watchOS project To create a new watchOS project: In Xcode, choose File > New > Project. Select the watchOS tab. Select the App icon and click Next. In the project options sheet, enter a name for the project. To create a watch-only app, select “Watch-only App.” To create both a watchOS app and an iOS app, select “Watch App with New Companion iOS App.” Then click Next. Select a location for the project and click Create.

Add a watchOS target to an existing iOS app To add a watchOS target to an existing iOS project: Select the project in the Project navigator. Click the “Add a target” button in the Project editor. Select the watchOS tab. Select the App icon and click Next. In the project option sheet, enter a name for the watchOS app, and select “Watch app for Existing iOS App.” Make sure to select the correct iOS app in the pull-down menu, and click Finish.

## Topics

### Information property list keys

- [WKWatchKitApp](bundleresources/information-property-list/wkwatchkitapp.md)
- [WKAppBundleIdentifier](bundleresources/information-property-list/wkappbundleidentifier.md)
- [WKCompanionAppBundleIdentifier](bundleresources/information-property-list/wkcompanionappbundleidentifier.md)
- [WKExtensionDelegateClassName](bundleresources/information-property-list/wkextensiondelegateclassname.md)
- [WKRunsIndependentlyOfCompanionApp](bundleresources/information-property-list/wkrunsindependentlyofcompanionapp.md)
- [WKWatchOnly](bundleresources/information-property-list/wkwatchonly.md)

## See Also

### App experience

- [Creating independent watchOS apps](watchos-apps/creating-independent-watchos-apps.md)
- [Keeping your watchOS content up to date](watchos-apps/keeping-your-watchos-app-s-content-up-to-date.md)
- [Updating watchOS apps with timelines](watchos-apps/updating-watchos-apps-with-timelines.md)
- [Authenticating users on Apple Watch](watchos-apps/authenticating-users-on-apple-watch.md)
- [Responding to the Action button on Apple Watch Ultra](appintents/actionbuttonarticle.md)
- [Enabling the double-tap gesture on Apple Watch](watchos-apps/enabling-double-tap.md)