> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.amltd.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.amltd.com/dc-works/applets/create-an-applet.md).

# Create an Applet

DC Works provides four methods for creating an Applet. The appropriate method depends on whether you want to design the Applet yourself, generate it from existing data, or begin with a predefined template.

### Begin creating an Applet

1. Select **Applets** from the Main Navigation.
2. Select **+ New Applet**.
3. Under **How do you want to create your app?**, select one of the following methods:
   * **Build from Scratch**
   * **Use Existing Table**
   * **Select App Template**
   * **Blank screen with own design**

<figure><img src="/files/AhjrUcLnAhZCCRQmavIl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*Choose how you want to create the new Applet.*

| Creation method              | Best used when                                                                   |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Build from Scratch           | You want DC Works to generate an initial Applet from fields you define           |
| Use Existing Table           | The required database table and fields already exist                             |
| Select App Template          | An available template closely matches the intended workflow                      |
| Blank screen with own design | You want complete control over the Applet’s pages, fields, records, and workflow |

{% hint style="info" %}
The selected method determines what DC Works creates automatically. Regardless of the method used, the resulting Applet can be modified in the Applet Editor.
{% endhint %}

### Build from Scratch

Use **Build from Scratch** to define the initial fields required by the Applet. DC Works uses these selections to generate a basic Applet structure.

1. Select **Build from Scratch**.
2. Enter the Applet’s initial field information.
3. Add additional fields as needed.
4. Select **Next**.
5. Choose the Applet’s style.
6. Select **Next**.
7. Enter a name for the Applet.
8. Select **Create**.

As fields are added, a preview on the right shows the basic layout that DC Works will generate.

<figure><img src="/files/XhE3kHfO9z0PUqB7va8b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*Build from Scratch generates an initial Applet layout from the fields entered during creation.*

DC Works creates the Applet and opens it in the Applet Editor. The generated pages, fields, and other components can then be configured for the required workflow.

{% hint style="info" %}
Build from Scratch provides a starting structure. You will still need to review the generated records, field properties, data bindings, actions, and conditions.
{% endhint %}

### Use Existing Table

Use **Use Existing Table** when the data table required by the Applet has already been created.

1. Select **Use Existing Table**.
2. Select the database containing the table.
3. Select the table you want to use.
4. Select the table fields that should be included in the Applet.
5. Select **Next** and complete the remaining creation options.
6. Enter a name for the Applet.
7. Select **Create**.

A preview on the right shows the fields and layout that will be generated from the selected table.

<figure><img src="/files/WyNFVofE4NngIFgpuVa1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*Use Existing Table generates an Applet from selected fields in an existing DC Works table.*

This method establishes the initial relationship between the Applet and the selected table. After the Applet is created, review its records, fields, bindings, and actions in the Applet Editor.

{% hint style="info" %}
The required database and table must already exist before you can use this method. For instructions on creating them, refer to **Create** **Databases and Tables** in the **Getting Started** chapter.
{% endhint %}

### Select App Template

Use **Select App Template** to begin with a predefined Applet designed for a common workflow.

Templates are organized into categories such as:

* Inventory Management
* Asset Tracking
* Retail
* Mobile Inspection
* Event Tracking
* Other

1. Select **Select App Template**.
2. Locate the appropriate template category.
3. Select **Explore**.
4. Review the available templates.
5. Select the template you want to use.
6. Select **Next**.
7. Choose the Applet’s style.
8. Select **Next**.
9. Enter a name for the Applet.
10. Select **Create**.

<figure><img src="/files/MQghfVufJkgPvmXoHfKv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*App Templates provide predefined starting points for common data-collection and workflow applications.*

DC Works builds the required components and then opens the new Applet in the Applet Editor.

Depending on the selected template, the generated Applet may contain multiple pages, records, fields, data tables, actions, and other preconfigured elements.

{% hint style="info" %}
A template is a starting point. Review all generated pages, fields, records, actions, and table structures before deploying the Applet.
{% endhint %}

### Blank screen with own design

Use **Blank screen with own design** when you want to create the entire Applet structure yourself.

1. Select **Blank screen with own design**.
2. Select **Next**.
3. Choose the Applet’s style.
4. Select **Next**.
5. Enter a name for the Applet.
6. Select **Create**.

<figure><img src="/files/lUjmrHy2wVltXJI3Ygex" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*Select an initial color style before creating the blank Applet.*

DC Works opens the new Applet in the Applet Editor with a blank starting page. You can then create the necessary records, pages, fields, bindings, actions, and conditions.

This method provides the greatest flexibility, but it also requires you to configure the Applet’s complete structure and behavior.

### Choosing a style

The creation process allows you to choose an initial color style for the Applet. The preview on the right updates to show the selected style.

The Applet’s appearance can be changed later using **Styles** in the Applet Editor.

### Name and create the Applet

Before creation, enter a descriptive name that clearly identifies the Applet’s purpose.

Examples include:

* Asset Check-In
* Inventory Count
* Receiving Inspection
* Equipment Checkout

Select **Create** to generate the Applet. When processing is complete, the Applet opens in the Applet Editor and also appears in the Applets list.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you are new to DC Works and want to build a complete Applet step by step, refer to **Create Your First Applet** in the **Getting Started** chapter.
{% endhint %}

### Next

Continue to **Working with Pages** to learn how to add, configure, and organize pages within an Applet.


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