Android Apps

Designware allows you to create and update Android applications.

About Android Apps:

• App Filetypes: .aab, .apk

• Compatibility: Android 4.4 (KitKat) or later

• Distribution Methods: Google Play Store, Direct Install

---

Creating an Android App

1. Make sure the project has an App subscription plan.

2. In the navbar, press the Publish button to open the Publish Menu.

3. Go to the Android tab and press ➕.

4. Set the Name and Icon.

5. Press Build to begin compiling the app, which can take several minutes.

Once fully compiled you can download it from the Publish Menu by hovering over the app version and selecting ••• › Download.

Deploying an Android App

The zip downloaded from Designware includes two app file types: .aab and .apk, both compatible with devices running Android 12 or later.

• .aab is for the Google Play Store. Create or login to your Google Play Console account and generate a new app profile. Google charges a $25 one-time fee for new accounts. Upload the .aab app file to the profile. Subsequent app versions exported from the same Designware project can be uploaded to the same app profile, overwriting the prior version.

• .apk if for personal or direct distribution through online or USB file sharing. The app will run when downloaded to a device.

Updating a Live Android App

To update a website, web app, and all native app formats together, in the navbar press the Publish dropdown button › Push Content Update.

To update just Android apps:

1. Press the Publish button in the navbar to open the Publish Menu.

2. Go to the Android tab.

3. Press Push Content Update.

Content updates can take several minutes to appear live.