PKPass Inspector

PKPass Inspector is a free browser tool for examining Apple Wallet pass files. It lets developers and designers view, validate, and decode .pkpass files without uploading anything to a server. Everything happens locally in your browser, which means your pass data stays on your device and never leaves it.

The problem it addresses is common during PassKit development. When you're building passes for Apple Wallet, you need to verify that the JSON structure is correct, the images are sized properly, the barcode encodes the right data, and the cryptographic signatures check out. Doing this manually means unzipping files, parsing JSON, and digging through documentation. PKPass Inspector handles all of that in one interface.

The tool decodes the ZIP package that makes up a .pkpass file and renders a visual preview of how the pass will appear in Apple Wallet. It validates pass.json against required fields, checks barcode formats and their encoded data, verifies manifest SHA-1 hashes to catch file mismatches, and inspects all the image assets and their filenames. It also parses and validates PKCS#7 signatures against Apple's certificates, which is particularly useful when troubleshooting signing issues that prevent passes from installing.

It's built for anyone working on PassKit implementations. If you're a developer creating boarding passes, event tickets, store cards, or coupons for Apple Wallet, this is a debugging companion that shows you exactly what's inside your pass file and whether it meets Apple's requirements. Designers can use it to preview how their artwork renders without needing to install the pass on a device first.

PKPass Inspector comes from Leal, a company that builds digital loyalty card infrastructure for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Because Leal works with PassKit daily, they built this tool for their own needs and made it publicly available. That background means it covers edge cases and validation rules that matter in real production environments.

The tool is entirely free with no account required. You simply drag a .pkpass file onto the page or select it from your filesystem, and the inspector does the rest. Since processing happens client side, there's no waiting for uploads or worrying about sensitive pass data being transmitted. It works on any modern browser and handles passes of any complexity.

For teams building Apple Wallet integrations, PKPass Inspector removes a layer of friction from the development cycle. Instead of guessing why a pass won't install or why a barcode isn't scanning, you can see exactly what the file contains and where validation fails. It's a small tool that solves a specific problem cleanly.