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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:

EmbeddedExternal
Runs iniframe inside the Seller AreaSeparate browser tab or standalone
AuthenticationQantra session token + token exchangeAuthorization code exchange
Marketplace listingYes — must pass reviewNo
Typical usePublic apps sellers install from the MarketplacePrivate tools, custom workflows, API access
Review requiredOnly to publish on the MarketplaceNever

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

ToolPurpose
Store Admin APIRead and write store data (orders, products, customers, etc.)
Embedded authSession token flow for apps running inside the Seller Area
External authAuthorization code flow for standalone apps
WebhooksReceive real-time events from YouCan (new orders, installs, etc.)
QantraEmbedded-only — Seller Area bridge for navigation, toasts, session tokens
YouCan UIVue component library matching the Seller Area design system

Getting started

The fastest way to scaffold a new embedded app:

sh
pnpm create @youcan/app@latest

Then follow the Get Started guide to have a running app in minutes.