Pros
✔️ Free app development
✔️ Unlimited free apps
✔️ Supports multiple platforms
✔️ Templates
Cons
❌ Only web apps
❌ Limited features
❌ Surplus pricing
Final verdict
Overall, Jotform Apps builds responsive websites accessed by a Jotform domain link. Users can, however, add the app on the home screen and use it as an app.
So, if you just want to get things done, this may be your option, while if you want a proper app, Jotform Apps may not be suitable.
Specifications
Service type: App development
Supported platforms: Web (Android, iOS, and desktop)
Ease of use: Some knowledge required
Pricing: $0 to $24 per month
What is it
Jotform Apps is a new addition to Jotform to build and deploy mobile, tablet, and desktop apps without writing a single line of code. Of course, it does not support complex apps, but it can help start-ups to medium businesses quickly create and publish a company app.
Ease of use
I found the builder easy to use, but some knowledge of building may help create better apps. The layout is easy to navigate because it shows the essential options on the main interface.
The Apps service is linked with Jotform’s main form service. I wanted to add a Jotform form to the contact page, and the first option in the elements was the form option displaying my Jotform forms.
Templates
Yes, it offers templates. The templates allow you to quickly create the app that you want without going through too much hassle. As of the 7th of April 2022, the platform has around 720 templates split into 28 categories, including:
- Education
- Finance
- Log Apps
- Management Apps
There is no limit on creating apps, so you can use as many templates as you like.
Related: Jotform comparison with Typeform
App settings
App status: Users can disable and enable the app
Schedule disabling: You can disable the app on a specific date.
Splash screen: You can change the background and font color of the splash screen. The splash screen uses your app icon.
What can be added
The platform splits into multiple categories. In total, we have over 30 elements to add to the page. Here is the full list:
- Headings
- Paragraphs
- Links
- Documents
- Images
- Buttons
- Image gallery
- Image slider
- Video
- Map
- Social follow
- Testimonial
- Table
- Report
- Sentbox
- Divider
- Spacer
- Several widgets for social videos, social share, social follow, maps, QR codes, and many more.
There are over 70 widgets to allow you to add features like videos, social buttons, timers, etc.
Each item listed above comes with a tab where you can adjust the element settings. For example, a button can point to a link, navigation page, or form, and an image can be linked to a web page.
Furthermore, some options are a set of multiple elements. For example, if you add a link, it automatically adds a link title.
An app, but not an app
After testing the platform and publishing an app, I found out that the app is not exactly an app. The platform creates a web app that can be accessed with a Jotform domain link. The app also has an extra menu item to log in to your Jotform account.
To install the app, the owner/developer can share the form link with users to open in the browser. But, when the app is opened for the first time, it shows a message to add the app to the home screen.
Users can also install it by going to the menu of the browser and tapping on the “install app” button. The apps use the basic platform-specific style on Android and iOS devices.
No so good pricing
The only limitation of the free plan is that on each page, you see a small Jotform banner suggesting creating your own free apps. I understand that it’s a business, but the problem is in the pricing.
The pricing reflects the Jotform forms, not the apps. So, to build brand-free apps, you must pay for the Jotform form subscription, which you may or may not end up using. The platform does not offer separate prices for Jotform Apps.
In total, Jotform supports three plans: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each offers extended monthly form views, submissions, upload limit, fields, and storage.
Jotform Apps review: Is it worth it
Here is the thing: I see a couple of issues with this platform. The first one is publishing. Definitely, you can create apps and stuff, but ultimately, the app is not yours. The app is hosted on Jotform, and users can use it as an alternative to an original Android and iOS app.
Furthermore, those web apps are limited to basic features. You can’t add complex systems particular to your needs. In those situations, I suggest asking an experienced developer to create and publish apps for you.
Secondly, there is a Jotform branding banner on each page, and to get rid of it, you will pay for the (Jotform) service. So, if you just want a simple app and don’t care about the branding, sure, Jotform Apps can be your destination.
Summary
The Jotform Apps review explored the features and options of this app builder platform. I hope it helped you decide if the tool is right for you. Please share your words in the comments, if any, and subscribe to the newsletter to stay updated.