> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.riff.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.riff.ai/reference/app-builder.md).

# App builder

The App builder is the interface you work in when you are building an app. An app is something people open and use — a dashboard, a form, a portal, a reporting tool. The Riff agent builds it with you.

## Layout

Three zones:

* **Topbar** — project name, tab row, Version History, Deploy button
* **Content area** — changes per active tab
* **Console / Logs panel** — slides up from the bottom on demand

## Default tabs

These tabs are open when you first enter the App builder:

| Tab                                                                                                    | What it is                                                       |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Preview](/reference/app-builder/preview.md)                                                           | Your app running live — interact with it exactly as a user would |
| [Tasks](/reference/app-builder/tasks.md)                                                               | Shared task board between you and the Riff agent                 |
| [Automations](https://github.com/ElleNealAI/riff-docs/blob/main/reference/app-settings/automations.md) | Schedule your app's backend endpoints to run on a cron           |

## Additional tabs

Open any of these via the **+** button in the topbar:

| Tab                                                     | What it is                                                               |
| ------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| [Integrations](/reference/shared/integrations.md)       | Connect your app to external services                                    |
| [Database](/reference/app-builder/database.md)          | Browse your app's database and ask the Riff agent to work with your data |
| [Storage](/reference/shared/storage.md)                 | Upload and manage files                                                  |
| [Secrets](/reference/shared/secrets.md)                 | Store API keys and credentials                                           |
| [Access](/reference/app-builder/access.md)              | Control who can reach your workspace and app                             |
| [Code Editor](/reference/app-builder/code-editor.md)    | Edit source code directly                                                |
| [Packages](/reference/app-builder/packages.md)          | Manage frontend and backend dependencies                                 |
| [Version History](/reference/shared/version-history.md) | Compare and restore past code states                                     |

## Deploying your app

When your app is ready for real users, click **Deploy** in the topbar. See [Deploy](/reference/app-builder/deploy.md) for the full flow and pre-deployment checks.

## The Riff agent in the App builder

The Riff agent chat panel runs on the right side of the App builder. It builds your app in response to your messages. See [Riff agent chat](/reference/app-builder/riff-agent-chat.md) for what the panel contains and how to use it effectively.

## App Settings

Configure your app's name, instructions, design guidelines, and workspace controls under App Settings. See [App Settings](/reference/app-builder/app-settings.md).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.riff.ai/reference/app-builder.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.