Building Your First App

This guide walks you through creating an App from a Canvas workflow. By the end, you'll have a reusable tool that anyone can use.

Prerequisites

Before creating an App, you need:

• ✅ A working Canvas workflow
• ✅ The workflow tested and producing good results
• ✅ Understanding of which inputs should be changeable

Step 1: Build Your Workflow

First, create and test your Canvas workflow.

Example Workflow

Let's build a simple product photo generator:

[Upload Node] → [BG Remover] → [Image Node (Flux Kontext)] → [Upscaler]
                                        ↑
                              [Text Node: "on marble surface, studio lighting"]

Test It

1. Run the workflow with sample inputs
2. Verify the output quality
3. Adjust settings until you're happy
4. Save the Canvas

Step 2: Open the App Builder

How to Access

1. Open your Canvas workflow
2. Look for the App Builder button in the toolbar (or sidebar)
3. Click to open the App Builder panel

The App Builder Panel

You'll see:

• App list — Existing Apps for this Canvas
• Create New — Button to start a new App
• Settings — Configuration options

Step 3: Name Your App

App Name

Choose a clear, descriptive name:

✅ Good names:

• "Product Photo Generator"
• "Social Media Post Creator"
• "Video Ad Maker"

❌ Avoid:

• "My App"
• "Test"
• "Workflow 1"

Description

Write a brief description of what the App does:

Generate professional product photos with custom backgrounds. 
Upload your product image, describe the desired background, 
and get a polished, high-resolution result.

Step 4: Configure Inputs

This is the most important step. You're choosing which parts of your workflow users can change.

Finding Available Inputs

The App Builder shows all nodes that can accept input:

• Text nodes (for prompts)
• Upload nodes (for files)
• Settings that can be modified

Selecting Inputs to Expose

For each input you want to expose:

1. Toggle it on — Makes it visible to App users
2. Set the label — What users see (e.g., "Product Photo")
3. Set the type — Text, image, video, or audio
4. Mark as required — If users must provide this input

Example Configuration

For our product photo workflow:

Input Labels

Write clear, user-friendly labels:

✅ Good labels:

• "Product Photo"
• "Background Description"
• "Brand Name"

❌ Avoid:

• "input_1"
• "Text for node 3"
• "Upload here"

Step 5: Add a Thumbnail

A thumbnail helps users identify your App.

Options

1. Upload an image — Your own thumbnail
2. Use from workflow — A generated output
3. Select from assets — From your Gallery

Best Practices

• Use a result from your workflow
• Show what the App produces
• Keep it visually clear
• Square or 4:3 ratio works best

Step 6: Review and Save

Before Saving

Check that:

• ✅ Name is clear and descriptive
• ✅ Description explains what the App does
• ✅ All necessary inputs are exposed
• ✅ Labels are user-friendly
• ✅ Required fields are marked correctly
• ✅ Thumbnail represents the App

Save the App

Click Save or Create App.

Your App is now ready to use!

Step 7: Test Your App

Run a Test

1. Go to the Apps section
2. Find your new App
3. Fill in the inputs
4. Click Generate
5. Verify the output

Check the Experience

Ask yourself:

• Is it clear what to input?
• Does the output match expectations?
• Are there any confusing elements?

Editing Your App

Accessing Edit Mode

1. Go to Apps section
2. Find your App
3. Click the Edit or Settings button

What You Can Change

• App name and description
• Which inputs are exposed
• Input labels and requirements
• Thumbnail

What You Can't Change

• The underlying workflow (edit in Canvas instead)
• Node configurations (edit in Canvas)

Updating the Workflow

If you need to change the workflow:

1. Open the original Canvas
2. Make your changes
3. Re-open App Builder
4. Update the App configuration if needed

Best Practices

Keep It Simple

• Expose only essential inputs
• Don't overwhelm users with options
• Hide complexity behind the scenes

Write Clear Labels

• Use plain language
• Describe what's needed
• Include examples if helpful

Test Thoroughly

• Run the App multiple times
• Try different inputs
• Verify output quality

Think About Users

• Who will use this App?
• What do they need to know?
• What might confuse them?

Common Mistakes

❌ Exposing Too Many Inputs

Problem: Users are overwhelmed with options.

Solution: Only expose what's truly necessary. Keep advanced settings hidden.

❌ Unclear Labels

Problem: Users don't know what to input.

Solution: Write descriptive labels and add helpful descriptions.

❌ Not Testing

Problem: App doesn't work as expected.

Solution: Always test with various inputs before sharing.

❌ Forgetting Required Fields

Problem: Users submit incomplete inputs.

Solution: Mark essential inputs as required.

Example: Complete App Setup

Product Photo Generator

Name: Product Photo Generator

Description: Create professional product photos with custom backgrounds. Upload your product image and describe your ideal setting.

Inputs:

Thumbnail: Example output showing a product on marble

Next Steps

• Running Apps — Learn to use your Apps
• App Ideas for Creatives — Get inspired
• Multi-Step Workflows — Build more complex Apps