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:
| Embedded | External | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 to communicate with the Seller Area and a session token flow for authentication. Apps listed on the YouCan Marketplace are embedded apps.
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 | Read and write store data (orders, products, customers, etc.) |
| Embedded auth | Session token flow for apps running inside the Seller Area |
| External auth | Authorization code flow for standalone apps |
| Webhooks | Receive real-time events from YouCan (new orders, installs, etc.) |
| Qantra | Embedded-only — Seller Area bridge for navigation, toasts, session tokens |
| YouCan UI | Vue component library matching the Seller Area design system |
Getting started
The fastest way to scaffold a new embedded app:
pnpm create @youcan/app@latestThen follow the Get Started guide to have a running app in minutes.