Everything starts with the creation of an app on the Twixl platform. This article explains the ins and outs.
Add Application
Application Type
When you add a Twixl app on the Twixl test platform for the first time, you can choose between several "templates" to get you started. For more info about each of these templates, see: Getting Started & Sample Apps
Application Mode
The next thing to select, is the Application Mode. The idea is that you start with a Development App and once your Development App has been tested and approved, you can then copy this Development App to a Production App. Of course you can start with a Production App right away as well.
ABOUT APPLICATION MODES AND APPLICATION BUILDS:
Development and Production Apps are linked to several Application Build Types. For a complete overview, see:
Essential app options
The following information should be entered:
- Application Name
- Bundle Identifier: This should be a reverse DNS name like com.twixlmedia.appname - only lowercase characters, numbers and dots should be used.
- Application Title: Use this to customize the title shown in the home screen of your app. Leave empty to use the application name
- Application Icon: Upload an icon that will be displayed in your app list - it will be resized automatically
- Support Email: The email address where the support emails should be sent to.
App options overview
When you select 'Edit application' after your app has been created, here's an overview of all the options that can be set.
1. Application Details: App name and bundle identifier - both are required fields when creating an app
2. Metadata: Here you can enter a title for your app, select an icon and enter a support e-mail address - this is also part of the new app creation process
3. Privacy Policy: Insert a link to an external url containing your privacy policy or terms and conditions to have a button - with the title of your choice - in 'settings' and the paywall (if applicable). If you publish your app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, a Privacy Policy URL for your app is a requirement.
4. Search / Downloads: See this article for more info.
5. Supported orientations (Android): Set the orientations you intend to support for Android tablets and phones. On iOS, orientation changes are handled automatically, and also support using your app in Split View on iPad.
6. Navigation Toolbar: Set toolbar background color, toolbar foreground colors (i.e. for displaying the title), toolbar tint color (for navigation actions), app tint color (for messages in the app). For the Toolbar, you can also select custom fonts - see more on this here.
7. Google Analytics Keys: here you can add a Google Analytics property for your iOS and Android App and for the Browser Client. For info on where to create such a property, you can check the Google Analytics article.
8. Application behavior:
- Prompt for App Store Rating: Prompts the user to rate your app in the App Store.
- Blur snapshot in iOS and Android app switcher: If you enable this option, potentially sensitive information in the app switcher screen will automatically be blurred.
- Keep All Data Offline: With this option enabled, an app will be forced to download all available content when starting up for the first time. See this article for more info.
- Sharing on Social Media: When allowing sharing on social media, users can share articles. For more info, see this article.
- Encrypt PDF Files: Enables on-the-fly encryption for PDF content items. That way, PDF files are protected on mobile devices (most relevant on 'open' systems like Android).
- Externally Managed Content: Enable this when you have an external system that manages the content. This puts the content items and collections of your app in read-only mode on the Twixl Distribution Platform. For more info, see this article.
9. Allow Users to access this Application:
Here you can define which other users can access this app. More info about Managing Users can be found here.