App Development Workflow

Standard operating procedure for developing, testing, and releasing a Canva app.

Phase 1: Setup

1. Create a Canva account — Sign up at canva.com if you don't have one
2. Install the Canva CLI — npm install -g @canva/cli@latest
3. Log in — canva login
4. Create your app — canva apps create "My App Name"
5. Clone the starter kit — Follow the setting-up-starter-kit guide
6. Configure your app — Edit canva-app.json with your app ID and settings

Phase 2: Development

1. Start the dev server — npm run start
2. Enable HMR in the Canva developer portal
3. Build your UI using the App UI Kit components
4. Add SDK calls for design manipulation
5. Implement authentication if accessing external services
6. Add localization support if targeting multiple regions

Phase 3: Testing

1. Test in the Canva editor — Preview your app using the dev URL
2. Use the test harness — See the testing documentation
3. Test authentication flows — Verify OAuth redirects and token handling
4. Test edge cases — Empty states, error states, loading states
5. Security review — Check against security guidelines

Phase 4: Submission

1. Complete submission checklist — All items must be checked
2. Prepare app listing — Icon, featured image, description
3. Submit for review — Via the developer portal
4. Address feedback — Respond to reviewer comments within 14 days
5. Release — App goes live after approval

Common Gotchas

• JWT verification is required for backend API calls
• OAuth tokens expire — implement refresh logic
• Test with different user roles and plan types
• App UI Kit version must match your SDK version