---
url: https://docs.youcan.shop/apps/introduction.md
---
# YouCan Apps

Apps extend the functionality of YouCan sellers' stores — adding new features, surfacing data, and providing tools that help sellers manage and grow their business.

## App types

YouCan supports two kinds of apps with a web interface, and apps can also ship without one:

| | [Embedded](/apps/embedded_app/overview) | [External](/apps/external_app/overview) |
|---|---|---|
| **Runs in** | iframe inside the Seller Area | Separate browser tab or standalone |
| **Authentication** | Qantra session token + token exchange | Authorization code exchange |
| **Marketplace listing** | Yes — must pass review | No |
| **Typical use** | Public apps sellers install from the Marketplace | Private tools, custom workflows, API access |
| **Review required** | Only to publish on the Marketplace | Never |

### Embedded apps

Embedded apps load inside the Seller Area as an iframe alongside the seller's dashboard. They use [Qantra](/apps/developer-tools/qantra/overview) to communicate with the Seller Area and a session token flow for authentication.

### Extension-only apps

An app can also ship only a [theme extension](/apps/theme_extension/overview), with no web interface at all: no `app_url`, no redirect URLs. Extension-only apps are submittable to the Marketplace once they have a [released version](/apps/dev-to-production).

### External apps

External apps open in a new browser tab and run independently of the Seller Area. They authenticate via a standard authorization code exchange and can be used immediately without review — making them the right choice for private tools, store-specific integrations, or API access.

## What you can build

* Order management dashboards
* Analytics and reporting tools
* Inventory or shipping integrations
* Marketing automation
* Any custom workflow for sellers

## Key building blocks

| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| [Store Admin API](/store-admin/introduction/getting-started) | Read and write store data (orders, products, customers, etc.) |
| [Embedded auth](/apps/embedded_app/auth) | Session token flow for apps running inside the Seller Area |
| [External auth](/apps/external_app/auth) | Authorization code flow for standalone apps |
| [Webhooks](/apps/webhooks) | Receive real-time events from YouCan (new orders, installs, etc.) |
| [Qantra](/apps/developer-tools/qantra/overview) | Embedded-only — Seller Area bridge for navigation, toasts, session tokens |

## Getting started

The fastest way to scaffold a new embedded app:

```sh
pnpm create @youcan/app@latest
```

Then follow the [Get Started guide](/apps/embedded_app/getstarted) to have a running app in minutes.