Introduction to web apps and HTML content

In Showpad, content typically comes in the form of documents, images, or videos. But there may be times when you need something more interactive, like a virtual demo. That’s where web apps (HTML5 assets) come into play.

View an example

What is a web app?

A web app in Showpad is a custom-built mini website or application that is uploaded as an asset, just like a PDF or image. It usually includes:

• An index.html file (the main page)
• Supporting files like CSS, JavaScript, images, and fonts
• Optional integration with Showpad’s Experience App SDK

Once uploaded to Showpad, this collection of files becomes an interactive, portable asset that works across the entire Showpad platform on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.

Think of it like embedding a self-contained website inside your sales content.

What can web apps do?

These apps can be anything from lightweight tools to immersive, branded journeys. Examples include:

• Product selectors or comparison tools
• Interactive brochures or catalogs
• Virtual showrooms
• Quizzes, games, or surveys

Developers build these apps just like any standard web page, then zip the files and upload them to Showpad.

Once uploaded, the app behaves like any other asset, meaning:

• It can be added to Experiences alongside other content
• It can be included in Shared Spaces and shared externally
• It’s searchable and manageable through the content library

How web apps compare to Showpad Apps

While web apps are versatile and reusable across Showpad, they come with some limitations in terms of integration and control.

In short:

• Web apps are portable and flexible, ideal for static or shareable content.
• Showpad Apps are fully integrated and dynamic, ideal for trackable, configurable tools.

How it works

When a user opens a web app, Showpad renders it in the Asset Viewer. If the app uses Experience App SDK, it can interact with the platform (e.g., by accessing user information or context). However, it’s important to keep in mind that:

• In-depth event tracking is not available in HTML5 assets. Showpad tracks when the asset is opened, but interactions within it are not tracked.
• There is no built-in editor to customize or configure the app within Showpad.

Why use a web app?

You might choose to use a web app if you:

• Want to provide a custom, branded interactive journey
• Want to build once and reuse across the Showpad platform
• Don’t require customization or configuration within Showpad’s Admin App

Web apps are a powerful way to go beyond static files and deliver engaging, web-based content directly inside your Showpad ecosystem.