---
url: https://docs.youcan.shop/apps/external_app/overview.md
---
# External Apps Overview

External apps open in a separate browser tab and run independently of the Seller Area. Unlike [embedded apps](/apps/embedded_app/overview), they don't load inside an iframe and don't use Qantra.

## When to use an external app

* Building a private tool for your own store or a specific seller
* Automating workflows or syncing data via the Store Admin API
* Creating a standalone integration that doesn't fit inside the Seller Area

External apps don't need to go through the [marketplace review process](/apps/distribution) — you can install and start using an external app immediately.

## How they work

When a seller opens your external app, the Seller Area redirects them to your app URL with a signed, one-time authorization code. Your server exchanges that code for a store access token, then uses it to call the [Store Admin API](/store-admin/introduction/getting-started).

See the [External App Authentication guide](/apps/external_app/auth) for implementation details.

## API access

Once authenticated, external apps use the same [Store Admin API](/store-admin/introduction/getting-started) as embedded apps — the access token works identically.