Create App from Workflow
In Pop, almost all apps are published from Workflows.
Workflows define logic, and apps provide the interface. After creating an app from a workflow, users can operate it like regular software without needing to understand the nodes and processes inside.
1. Source of Apps: Workflow
Each app consists of the following three parts:
- Workflow Logic: responsible for computation, AI calls, file processing, database access, etc.
- Input Parameters: determined by the workflow inputs
- Layout: generated by the layout manager
Therefore, before publishing an app, you need to ensure:
- The workflow runs correctly
- Input fields are clear
- Output format is reasonable
- No temporary paths or sensitive information in the logic
2. How to Publish an App?
When your workflow is ready, click the button at the top right of the workflow:
Publish as App
The system will open the "Publish App" configuration panel with the following required fields:
● App Name
The name displayed for the app.
● App Icon
Optional, used for display in the app center.
● App Description
Helps users understand the purpose of the app.
● App Category / Tags
Such as "PDF Tools", "AI Tools", "Image Processing", etc.
● Select Layout
You can choose to:
- Use the layout currently bound to the workflow (recommended)
- Create a new layout
- Use the default layout to automatically generate form + output area
● Version Number
Automatically generated by the system, but can be manually specified.
After clicking "Publish", a complete app will be generated.
3. Where Do the App Input Fields Come From?
The input form of the app is automatically generated from Workflow Inputs.
For example:
| Workflow Input Field | Representation in App |
|---|---|
text |
Text box |
file |
File upload |
language |
Dropdown selection |
model |
Model selector |
jsonData |
JSON editor |
You can adjust field names, default values, and validation rules in the workflow, and these will be synchronized to the app interface.
4. Binding Layout
The app interface is fully generated by the layout manager.
When publishing the app, you can choose:
-
Use an existing layout (most common)
The layout designed in the workflow will be directly used. -
Create a new layout for the app
Suitable when developing the app interface alongside the workflow. -
Use system auto layout
The system creates a basic form + result area based on inputs and outputs.
Layouts define:
- Component positions (top/bottom, left/right, multi-column)
- Form placement
- Result display (charts, text, tables, images, etc.)
- Whether to show the console
- Whether to display multiple views simultaneously
5. Where to View Published Apps?
After successful publishing, the app will appear in:
- App Center → "My Apps"
- Recent usage (after running)
- Specified categories (e.g., AI Tools / Utilities)
You can at any time:
- Open the app
- Edit again
- Update version
- Delete the app
- Export JSON
- Share with others
6. Best Practices for App Publishing
To ensure app stability and usability, it is recommended to:
- Set default values for input fields
- Keep output content structured (e.g., JSON / tables)
- Use fixed models for AI nodes (to avoid failure without configuration)
- Avoid hardcoding local paths
- Frequently test running the workflow
- Add necessary prompt texts to layouts
7. Summary
Creating apps from workflows is one of Pop's core capabilities, enabling you to:
- Encapsulate complex logic into easy-to-use tools
- Share automation capabilities within teams
- Quickly build visual products
- Form the foundation of the Pop app ecosystem