name: app-sharing description: | Manage Glide app access, privacy, authentication, and publishing. Use when configuring who can access an app, setting up sign-in methods, publishing apps, inviting users, or configuring Row Owners for data security.

Glide App Sharing

Accessing Access Settings

1. Go to Settings tab (top navigation)
2. Click Access in the settings menu
3. URL: go.glideapps.com/app/{appId}/settings/privacy

Privacy Modes

Private App

• Only users you choose can access
• Users must be in the Users table or meet specific criteria
• Best for: Internal tools, member-only apps

Public App

• Anyone with link can access
• No sign-in required (optional sign-in available)
• Best for: Public directories, info apps

User Access Options

When app is Private, choose who can sign in:

Users Table Access

• Select which table serves as the Users table
• Users with emails in that table can sign in
• Common for: Employee apps, member portals

Team Access

• All members of your Glide team can sign in
• No need to add them to a table
• Common for: Internal team tools

Domain-Based Access

• Allow anyone with email from specific domains
• Example: Allow all @acme.com emails
• Common for: Company-wide apps

Authentication Methods

Configure how users prove their identity:

Magic Link Option

Under "Pin emails from Glide", enable:

• Include magic link to sign in without PIN
• Users can click link instead of entering PIN

Access Requests

Allow new users to request access:

• Enable "Allow visitors to request access"
• New users see "Request Access" on sign-in screen
• Team reviewers approve/deny requests
• Manage reviewers in Team Members settings

Publishing Your App

Publish Button

• Click Publish (top right, green button)
• Makes app available at its URL

App URL

• Format: {app-name}.glideapp.io
• Custom domains available on paid plans

Before Publishing Checklist

1. Set appropriate privacy mode
2. Configure authentication
3. Test as different user types
4. Review data access (Row Owners)
5. Set up branding (name, icon)

Inviting Users

Method 1: Add to Users Table

1. Go to Data Editor
2. Open Users table
3. Add rows with user emails
4. Share app URL with users

Method 2: Share Link

1. Publish the app
2. Copy app URL
3. Share with users
4. They sign in with configured auth method

Method 3: Team Invitation

1. Enable "Team members" access
2. Invite users to your Glide team
3. They automatically get app access

Row Owners (Data Security)

Critical: Access settings control who can enter the app. Row Owners control what data they see.

Setting Up Row Owners

1. Add email column to your table
2. Make it a Row Owner column
3. Users only see rows where their email matches

Important Notes

• Visibility conditions are NOT security (data still downloads)
• Row Owners provide true data-level security
• Use for sensitive data protection

Testing Access

Test as Different Users

1. Use "Viewing as" dropdown (top of preview)
2. Select different users from Users table
3. Verify they see correct data/screens

Test Sign-In Flow

1. Open app in incognito/private window
2. Go through sign-in as new user
3. Verify authentication works

Common Access Patterns

Employee Directory (Private)

Privacy: Private
Users: Team members OR Users table
Auth: Sign in with Google + Pin emails
Row Owners: None (all employees see all)

Customer Portal (Private)

Privacy: Private
Users: Users table (customers)
Auth: Pin emails from Glide + Magic link
Row Owners: Customer email column

Public Information App

Privacy: Public
Users: Optional sign-in
Auth: N/A or Sign in with Google
Row Owners: None

Internal Tool (Restricted)

Privacy: Private
Users: Allowed email domains (@company.com)
Auth: SSO or Google
Row Owners: Department-based

After Building: User Invitation Flow

After building an app, ask the user:

1. "Who should have access to this app?"
2. "Should it be private or public?"
3. "Do you want to invite specific users now?"

Then:

1. Configure privacy settings
2. Add users to Users table if needed
3. Set up appropriate authentication
4. Publish the app
5. Share the app URL

Troubleshooting

Users Can't Sign In

• Check they're in Users table (if using)
• Verify email matches exactly
• Check authentication method is enabled

Users See Wrong Data

• Review Row Owner settings
• Check visibility conditions
• Test as that specific user

Access Request Not Working

• Ensure feature is enabled
• Check team has reviewers assigned
• Verify email deliverability

Documentation

• Users & Privacy
• Row Owners
• Publishing
• Authentication