Publishing Your Apps!!

These instructions describe how to publish your app on the web. On your app page, you'll create a barcode for your app and provide a link to the source blocks. Once your app page is setup you can send your friends and family the URL so that they can download your app and try it out.

For your first App Page make sure to carefully read all of the instructions below. Refer to the Shortlist for a refresher of the pieces required for an app page.

Setup a web portfolio

If you haven't setup a web page for your portfolio, so so now. Google Sites (sites.google.com) is one of the simplest methods.

Give your app a descriptive name, title, and icon.

• Give your app a descriptive name (e.g., not "Project 2"). The name of an App Inventor app is the project name-- this name appears on the phone when it is installed. You can change this name by doing a Save project as ... of your project.
• Give your app a descriptive screen title (this can be same as project name). The screen title is a property of the Screen component. It appears at top of screen when your app runs.
• Give your app an icon. The icon is the little square image that appears on the device once an app is installed. The icon is a property of the Screen component and you can set it to any image file.

Download your app APK and source code

• Download the APK file of your app to your computer. An APK file has a .apk extension and is the executable app that runs on the device. You generate an app's APK file in App Inventor by selecting "Build" and then "App (save .apk to my computer)".

• Download source code to computer. The source code (blocks) allow you or others to edit/customize the app. You generate source code for an app in App Inventor from the Project page. Check your project, then choose Project and select Export selected project (.aia) to my computer.

Create the portfolio page for your app.

• Create a project page on your portfolio. Use Google Sites to create a new page in your portfolio with your app name or the assignment number as the name.
• Get the app and source code onto the web. Attach the app (.apk file) and the source (.aia) file you just downloaded to the bottom of your new portfolio (Google Sites) page under Add Files. This will get the apk and source files onto the web.
• Here's a sample of an app page for the "No Texting While Driving" app

Create a QR code for the app

• Create a scannable QR Code for the app. First, grab a link (URL) to the .apk file you just put on the web (right or control-click on the download icon (arrow) of your attachment and copy the link-- Copy Link Location). Then go to http://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/, paste that URL and click Save.
• Add the QR Code to portfolio page. In Google Sites, choose Insert | Image and choose the image file you just created with the QR code. This will add the QR code to your page.
• Having trouble generating a QR code for your app? See this screencast. And be sure to test it by scanning it onto a phone and checking that your app installs properly.

Add some Screenshots of your app and blocks as well as info about your app.

• Add a title, description, developer names (YOU are the developer!) and pics, and source link to project page.
• Take screenshot(s) of your app and add them on the project page. You can get a screenshot by running the app in the emulator and then taking a screenshot.
• Add screenshot(s) of your blocks. Show the blocks for your app.

Other examples are located Here