> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.parallellabs.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# App Builder

> Build custom web apps by describing what you want. The AI writes the code, connects it to your data, and shows a live preview — then you publish it, optionally 

Build custom web apps by describing what you want. The AI writes the code, connects it to your data, and shows a live preview — then you publish it, optionally to your own domain.

***

## What Is App Builder?

App Builder lets you create full web apps — not just single pages — through an AI coding assistant. Think internal CRMs, support inboxes, client portals, booking pages, job boards, or onboarding checklists. You describe features in chat; the AI builds them. The result is standard, exportable code you can download and run anywhere.

***

## Creating an App

1. Select your company from the sidebar
2. Click **App Builder** (under Inbound)
3. Start from a prompt — describe the app you want, for example:
   * "An internal CRM with companies, contacts, and deal stages"
   * "A support inbox that tracks tickets to resolution"
   * "A booking page where customers schedule calls"
4. Or click **New App** and set a **Name**, **Description**, **Icon**, and **App Type**:
   * **Internal app** — runs inside the platform for your team, using your existing login
   * **External app** — a standalone, public app anyone can sign up for, with full theming
5. The builder opens so you can refine it

***

## Building in the Editor

The editor has three panes:

* **Chat (left)** — ask for what you need: "Add a table of leads with search," "Create a form to add a contact," "Show a chart of deals by stage." The AI writes the code and the preview updates.
* **Files (center)** — the project's files. Click any file to view or edit the code directly.
* **Preview (right)** — a live, running view of your app that refreshes as changes are made.

You can keep multiple chat threads per app to work on different features. Click **Save** to keep your changes.

***

## Connecting to Your Data

Apps can read and write your platform **tables** (including Smart Lists) so they work with your real data:

* Auto-generated data helpers are included in each app, so the AI can wire up reads and writes for you.
* Just ask in chat — for example, "Load rows from my Leads table into this view," or "Save this form to my Contacts table."

Every published app also exposes a connection point so external AI tools can work with its data securely.

***

## Publishing

1. In the editor, click **Publish**
2. The app builds and deploys; the status moves to **Published / Live**
3. Internal apps become available to your company; external apps get a public URL

Publish again any time to push a new version.

### Custom Domains

External apps can run on your own domain:

1. Open the app's **Custom Domain** option
2. Enter your domain and follow the DNS instructions
3. Once the domain shows **Active**, your app is live there

***

## Sharing, Export, and More

* **Sharing** — keep an app **Private**, **Shared** with your company, or **Public** via link.
* **Export** — download the full source code as a standard project. You can run `npm install` and `npm run build` and host it anywhere; nothing ties it to the platform.
* **Git** — link an app to a GitHub repository to push and pull changes.
* **Themes** (external apps) — customize colors, fonts, and styling to match your brand.
* **Monetization** (external apps) — give each user starting credits, charge per action, and sell credit packs.

***

## App Builder vs. Apps

* **App Builder** is where you *create and edit* apps.
* **[Apps](/inbound-apps/apps)** is where you *open and use* the apps you've published.

***

## Next Steps

* [Open your published apps →](/inbound-apps/apps)
* [Build a Landing Page →](/inbound-apps/landing-pages)
* [Work with your data in Smart Lists →](/workflow-features/smart-lists)