Create Publication Apps Without Coding
App Press ($39.99) by App Press LLC is a development tool that allows users to create apps without coding. There are two portions of App Press; a web-based creation tool and iDevice testing tool. App Press is specifically for creating publication apps, and is not a game or general app development tool. Pages for your app are created in Photoshop or InDesign, and then uploaded to App Press where they are put into an iDevice format.
To create your app, you must first create an account with App Press. There are monthly charges associated with App Press accounts, or you can try a 30-day trial for free. Once you are logged in, create a new app by clicking on Apps. This will bring up a toolbar with all your apps. You must create a new app, create an issue, and then begin pages. Pages are created in either Photoshop or InDesign using App Press’ templates, which are available for download. Once a page is created, it must then be uploaded to App Press.
App Press comes with three layers on each page; an ad layer with different banner dimensions for ads, a content layer, and a background layer. Pages are generally uploaded to the content layer. Once you have finished creating your page you can view it in either iPad or iPhone mode. There are different options for views based on the iDevice’s orientation. This view page is an attempt to bring the iOS Simulator to App Press, but it doesn’t have the same feel. To actually sample your app you must have the App Press app installed on your iDevice. The app itself is simply a preview for your created app’s pages. This may seem a bit confusing, so for more clarification visit http://www.myappress.com/.
Overall, App Press is a unique tool that allows people to create magazine-like apps without having to learn coding. Although the creation process is a little convoluted, App Press can be a helpful start for potential developers.
App Press has generously given us three promo codes for our users. If you would like to enter to win one of these promo codes, simply comment below June 7th (11:59 pm EST). Winners will be chosen at random and contacted through email. Good Luck!
