Create an app

Zite starting prompt with App, Database, and Form options

Zite is best for internal tools, business apps, dashboards, portals, and workflows tied to existing data. It is not the best primary stack for launching a full SaaS product, though you can build external apps and add login when needed. Learn more in What can I build?.

Before you build

Creating an app starts a new workspace for that app. If you want to add another app to an existing workspace, open that workspace first and create the app from the workspace homepage. When Zite provisions a new workspace, it also creates a Zite Database for that workspace. You do not have to use that database in the app, although it’s highly recommended. It is there when you need a shared place to store records, power forms, or connect multiple apps around the same data. From the create screen, you can also prepare the app before sending your first prompt:

Import data

Bring in existing data from Airtable, CSV, Google Sheets, or Excel before Zite builds the app.

Match brand

Apply a Brand Kit so the first version uses your logo, colors, typography, and brand guidelines.

Integrate

Connect services such as Google Sheets, Airtable, Slack, OpenAI, Email, Notion, and any other integration your app should use.

Getting started

Choose AppStart from App so Zite builds the user-facing experience in a new workspace. This is the right starting point for dashboards, portals, admin tools, approval queues, onboarding guides, and other business apps.

Optional: Import data when neededUse Import data to bring in Airtable, CSV, Google Sheets, or Excel data before building. This helps Zite understand the records and fields your app should work with from the start.

Optional: Match your brandUse Match brand to apply a Brand Kit before building so Zite can match your logo, colors, fonts, and guidelines. You can also create a new Brand Kit at this stage, or choose and change a theme later.

Optional: Connect integrationsUse Integrate to connect services your app should read from, write to, or trigger. Common integrations include Google Sheets, Airtable, Slack, OpenAI, Email, Notion, Microsoft Teams, and any other integration available in your workspace.

Choose Plan first or build nowUse Plan first when the request is new, broad, or connected to multiple pages, roles, approvals, dashboards, database changes, or integrations. Build directly when your first request is small and specific. Learn more in Agent Modes.

Submit a specific promptInclude the app type, users, workflow, important views, and any login requirements. The more concrete your first prompt is, the better Zite can plan and build the first version.

Data options

Option	Best for
Zite Database	Apps where Zite should create and manage the records, tables, and relationships.
Import data	Starting from Airtable, CSV, Google Sheets, or Excel data before the first app version is built.
Google Sheets	Apps that should keep working with operational data in spreadsheets.
Airtable	Apps that should read or write structured data in existing Airtable bases and tables.
Integrations	Apps that need to connect to tools for data, AI, messaging, email, payments, or workflow actions.

If you are not sure, start with the workspace’s Zite Database. You can still import data or connect other tools later through integrations.

Agent modes

Mode	Use it when	What happens
Plan first	You are starting a new app, the scope is unclear, or the app needs multiple pages, roles, approvals, dashboards, portals, database changes, or integrations.	Zite creates a plan first so you can review and edit the scope, then see wireframes of the design before building.
Build directly	You know exactly what you want and the first version is small or clearly defined.	Zite starts building the app right away, and may ask clarifying questions if it needs more information.

For a first project, Plan first is usually the better choice. It helps turn a broad idea into a clearer build plan before any app changes are made. You can compare all options in Agent Modes, and choose the right model in Model Selection.

Write the starting prompt

A strong starting prompt usually includes the details below. If you are unsure how to scope the project, start with Plan mode so Zite can help clarify the requirements first.

The app type: e.g. a dashboard, portal, or approval workflow
The users: e.g. employees, managers, or clients
The workflow: what users need to view, create, update, approve, assign, export, or submit
Access needs: whether the app is internal, shared externally, or requires login

Example prompts

Employee onboarding guide

Build an employee onboarding guide for new hires and HR managers.
Track employees, onboarding tasks, owners, due dates, and completion
status. Include a new hire view, an HR admin view, and task reminders.

Inventory management template

Build an inventory management app for the operations team. Track items,
suppliers, stock counts, locations, and reorder thresholds. Include a
dashboard, low-stock alerts, item update forms, and manager-only editing.

Dashboard builder tutorial

Build a business dashboard for team leads. Show revenue, pipeline
status, owner performance, and weekly changes. Include filters by region
and owner.

Client portal setup guide

Build a client portal for external clients to view project status,
files, invoices, and next steps. Add login so each client only sees
their own projects.

Approval workflow examples

Build an approval workflow for purchase requests. Track request, vendor,
amount, department, approver, and status fields. Include submitter and
approver views, email notifications, and an approval history.

FAQs

Should I start with App or Database?

Start with App when you want Zite to build an interface first. Start with Database when the first goal is to create or organize the underlying data.

Does creating an app create a workspace?

Yes. Creating an app starts a new workspace, and new workspaces include a Zite Database automatically. To add an app to an existing workspace, open that workspace and create the app from its homepage.

Do I have to use the database Zite creates?

No. The workspace database is available when you need it, but your app can also use imported data or connected integrations instead.

Can I connect existing data after the app is created?

Yes. You can import data, connect integrations, or change data sources later, including Zite Database, Google Sheets, Airtable, CSV, Excel, and other integrations.

When should I use Plan first?

Use Plan first for new projects, unclear scope, multi-page apps, dashboards, portals, approvals, database changes, or integrations.

Can an app be shared outside my team?

Yes. Zite apps can be external and can include login when needed, though Zite is best suited to business apps and internal tools.

Getting Started

How to Build

Features

Access & Sharing

Account

API Reference

Security & Legal

Before you build

Import data

Match brand

Integrate

Getting started

Data options

Agent modes

Write the starting prompt

Example prompts

FAQs

​Before you build

Import data

Match brand

Integrate

​Getting started

​Data options

​Agent modes

​Write the starting prompt

​Example prompts

​FAQs

Before you build

Getting started

Data options

Agent modes

Write the starting prompt

Example prompts

FAQs