Custom file lets you upload your own configuration profile to apply settings that no built-in Factorial IT control covers. It accepts each platform's native format on macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Windows and Android.
Overview
macOS |
Windows |
Linux |
iOS / iPadOS |
Android |
|---|---|---|---|---|
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
Each platform takes its own file format:
Platform |
Format |
Description |
|---|---|---|
macOS |
.mobileconfig or .json |
Apple Configuration Profile (XML-based) or JSON |
iOS / iPadOS |
.mobileconfig |
Apple Configuration Profile (XML-based) |
Windows |
.xml |
Windows MDM custom policy (SyncML format) |
Android |
.json |
Android Enterprise managed configuration |
How to use
- Go to MDM > Controls > Add new control and choose Custom file.
- Upload your configuration file. It reaches devices through MDM, like any other control.
Factorial IT does not check what is inside the file. Make sure the configuration is right before you deploy it: a broken or conflicting profile can make devices behave in unexpected ways.
- Give the control a clear name, so you can find it later.
- Choose where the control applies: all devices, specific device groups, or a custom target.
macOS
macOS profiles (.mobileconfig) are XML files, signed or unsigned, sent as MDM payloads. Some configuration payloads can also be sent as .json.
Recommended tools to build profiles:
- iMazing Profile Editor: free, made for creating and editing .mobileconfig files.
- Apple Configurator: from the Mac App Store.
Typical uses are custom certificate payloads, VPN profiles and per-app VPN settings.
iOS / iPadOS
iPhone and iPad use the same .mobileconfig format as macOS.
Windows
Windows files use SyncML, which maps to the Windows MDM CSPs (Configuration Service Providers, the settings Windows exposes to MDM). You can set any Windows MDM policy that the built-in Factorial IT controls do not cover.
Start and end the XML with ` or `. Leave out the SyncML header and footer lines.
Example: set the desktop and lock screen images
Step 1. Allow the Personalization CSP on Windows Pro:
```xml
bool
./Vendor/MSFT/SharedPC/SetEduPolicies
true
```
Step 2. Set the desktop and lock screen images. The Personalization CSP works on Windows Enterprise and Education. On Windows Pro it only works once SetEduPolicies in the SharedPC CSP is set, as in step 1.
```xml
1
./Vendor/MSFT/Personalization/LockScreenImageUrl
chr
text/plain
… your URL here …
2
./Vendor/MSFT/Personalization/DesktopImageUrl
chr
text/plain
… your URL here …
```
SharedPC/SetEduPolicies puts the device into an education configuration.
Try it on a few devices before rolling it out widely.
Android
Android files use JSON to send managed configurations to Android Enterprise devices. They are mostly used to configure work apps that support managed app configuration.
Change or switch off the control
Open the control from MDM > Controls to edit or disable it. To change the configuration, upload the file again with the new settings. Disabling stops enforcement. It does not remove settings already applied on devices.
Tips and Best Practices
- Use a built-in control when one exists. Keep Custom file for settings nothing else covers.
- Validate the file before uploading. Factorial IT does not check its contents.
- Name the control clearly. You will need to recognise it among the others later.
- Deploy to a small device group first. A wrong profile can affect every targeted device.
- Be careful with SetEduPolicies on Windows. It switches the device to an education configuration, so test it on a few devices first.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Troubleshooting
The file upload fails.
- Check the file uses the right format for the chosen operating system.
- Check the file is not corrupted or empty.
- macOS profiles must be valid XML. Check the file with plutil -lint profile.mobileconfig.
Devices behave unexpectedly after deploying a custom file. The profile may be invalid or clash with another one. Factorial IT does not validate the contents, so review the file.
The desktop or lock screen image does not change on Windows Pro. The Personalization CSP only works on Pro once SetEduPolicies is set. Deploy that setting first.
FAQ
- Does it work on Linux?
- No. It supports macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Windows and Android.
- Does Factorial IT check my file?
- No. You are responsible for making sure the configuration is correct.
- How do I update the configuration?
- Open the control from MDM > Controls and upload the file again with the new settings.
- Do I include the SyncML header in Windows files?
- No. Start and end the XML with ` or `.