AppSheet

Introduction

AppSheet is a no-code mobile application-building platform that was acquired by Google in January 2020.

  • Having explored AppSheet and its features, I must say that the mobile application design experience is exceptionally well-crafted, and it can be considered among the best in the field.



Features

In an overview, AppSheet offers an advanced editor for app customizations, such as app logos, view controls, app names and sign-in requirements.

  • Users also have the flexibilities to add various features to their apps, such as GPS maps, charts, push notifications, email alerts and photo capture.
  • Offers seamless data synchronization with Google Sheet file, ensuring the data is always up to date and accessible.
  • Enables offline functionality, allowing users to continue using the app even without an internet connection.

Furthermore, AppSheet provides options to enable HTML interpretation within the spreadsheet to further styling their app's content.

  • Views > General > Enable the "Preview new features"
  • Data > Table > Change the Type of column data to "LongText"
  • Click on the "pencil" icon and select "html" under "Type Details"
Enabling HTML in AppSheet



Pricing

However, this application is relatively more expensive if the user number is huge. To illustrate, the app built using AppSheet can be tested up to 10 users for free. Once the user number is exceeded, you have to sign up a plan.

  • Public app: USD 50 per month per app.
  • Subscription plan: Starting from USD 5 per user per month (users can access limitless app and each user can log in on up to 5 devices simultaneously).

Even so, this option is highly recommended if it is for personal use only.



The Simple Guide to Setting an AppSheet App

To build a searchable application, the first - and most critical - step is organizing your data into a spreadsheet (either in Microsoft Excel file or Google Sheets).

Preparing Your Data

  • Organize your Spreadsheet: Ensure your column headers are in the first row.
  • File Storage: Save your file in Google Drive within a dedicated folder (e.g., Google Drive > AppSheet).
  • Managing Images: If your app uses images, create a sub-folder (e.g., AppSheet > Drug_Images) to store your files. In your spreadsheet, the image column should contain the relative path or file name (e.g., Drug_Images/aspirin.jpg).
Sample Sheet

Connecting to AppSheet

  • Log in to the AppSheet website.
  • Click Create > App > Start with existing data.
  • Name your app and click Choose your data.
Choose Your Data
  • Select Google Sheets and navigate to your saved file.

Configuring the Data Tab

Once imported, AppSheet generates a functional preview of your app. You can further refine it in the Data section:

  • Adding Tables: Use the Data dashboard to import additional sheets or new tabs from your workbook.
  • Column Types: AppSheet automatically assigns data types (e.g., Text, Image, Long Text, URL). Verify these to ensure your app behaves correctly.
    • Use Long Text for descriptions. If you are using HTML content, ensure you have enabled the "Preview New Features" setting in your account.
Data Page
  • Searchability: Scroll to the right of your column list to toggle the Search property. Uncheck columns that are not relevant to user searches.
Editing Search
  • Regenerate Schema: If you add or delete columns in your spreadsheet, you must click Regenerate Scheme to sync those changes with AppSheet.
  • Table Settings: Control user permissions by allowing or restricting Add, Update or Delete actions.

Customizing the User Experience (UX)

The Views dashboard allows you to determine how your data is presented (e.g., Deck, Table or Gallery view).

  • Primary Navigation: Click the + button next to "Primary Navigation" to create a new view.
  • Data Source: Use the "For this data" dropdown to link the view to a specific table or sheet.
  • View Settings: Experiment with different layouts and sorting options to optimize user experience.

Essential App Settings

The Settings dashboard is a powerful hub for fine-tuning your app's performance and look:

  • Theme & Brand: Customize your app’s colours and upload a custom logo.
  • General: Manage image compression settings and toggle the visibility of the "Share" button.
  • Performance: Optimize your app by enabling Delta Sync (syncs only changes), Sync on Start or Delayed Sync.
  • Offline Mode: Configure how much data is stored locally for users without a stable internet connection.

Settings Page



External Links

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