What is MIT App Inventor?
MIT App Inventor is a free, web-based platform created by MIT that lets you build real Android apps using a visual, drag-and-drop interface — no prior coding knowledge required.
Instead of writing lines of code, you snap together colourful puzzle-piece "blocks" to define how your app behaves — just like Scratch or Lego for apps.
Why App Inventor? It's used by millions of beginners worldwide, taught in schools and universities, and lets you publish real apps to Android devices. Perfect starting point before moving to professional tools.
Everything runs in your browser. You only need a Google account to get started.
Sign In to App Inventor
Head to appinventor.mit.edu and click the big orange "Create Apps!" button. You'll be asked to sign in with your Google account — this is free and takes less than a minute.
- Go to appinventor.mit.edu in Chrome or Firefox.
- Click the orange "Create Apps!" button.
- Sign in with your Google / Gmail account.
- Accept the terms of service and you're in!
Create a New Project
Once logged in, you'll see the My Projects dashboard. This is your home screen where all your apps live.
| Name | Created | Modified |
|---|---|---|
| HelloWorld | Apr 1, 2025 | Apr 1, 2025 |
| MyQuizApp | Mar 15, 2025 | Mar 20, 2025 |
- Click the "+ New Project" button (top-left area).
- Type a name for your app — no spaces allowed (e.g.
MyFirstApp). - Press OK — you'll be taken into the App Designer.
The Designer — Building Your Screen
The Designer is where you build the visual layout of your app. Think of it like arranging furniture in a room. There are four panels:
Try this: Drag a Button and a Label from the Palette onto the Viewer. In Properties, change the Button's Text to "Say Hello". You've built your first screen!
The Blocks Editor — Making It Work
The Blocks Editor is where you add behaviour to your app. Click the "Blocks" button in the top-right to switch to it. Here, you connect colourful blocks together like puzzle pieces to define your app's logic.
The example above shows a simple program: when the button is clicked → set the Label's text to "Hello, World! 🎉". That's real, working app logic — no typing required!
Block colours tell you the type: Orange = Events (triggers), Blue = Actions (do something), Purple = Set values, Green = Text/Data. Blocks only connect if they're compatible — the shape must match.
Test Your App on a Real Device
You don't need to build and install an APK every time you want to test. App Inventor has a live testing feature using the MIT AI2 Companion app — changes you make instantly appear on your phone!
MIT AI2 Companion App
Install this free app from the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
Same Wi-Fi Network
Make sure your phone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi connection.
Scan QR Code
In App Inventor go to Connect → AI Companion and scan the QR code shown.
No Android phone? Use the built-in emulator: Connect → Emulator. It opens a virtual phone right in your browser (may be slower).
Build & Share Your APK
Ready to share your app with friends? App Inventor can package your project into an .apk file — a real Android app file that anyone can install.
- In the top menu, click Build.
- Choose "App (provide QR code for .apk)" to get a QR others can scan.
- Or choose "App (save .apk to my computer)" to download the file.
- Transfer the .apk to your phone and install it. You may need to enable "Install unknown apps" in Android settings.
- Your app is now installed like a real app — complete with an icon on the home screen! 🎉
Note: App Inventor currently supports Android only. iOS export is not available. To publish on the Google Play Store, you'd export to Android Studio — but that's a next step for later!
What Should You Build First?
Now that you know the basics, here are some great beginner project ideas to practise your skills — ordered from easiest to slightly more challenging:
Hello World Button
Button that changes a label's text when tapped. Classic first project.
Dice Roller
Shake or tap to generate a random number 1–6. Uses the Accelerometer.
Paint App
Draw on a canvas with your finger. App Inventor's tutorial "PaintPot" covers this.
Calculator
Add, subtract, multiply. Great practice for variables and math blocks.
Language Translator
Uses the built-in Yandex Translate component. Very few blocks needed!
Location Tracker
Show your GPS coordinates. Uses the LocationSensor component.
Ready to Start Building?
Everything you need is free and ready right now. Open App Inventor and build your first app today — it only takes minutes!
🚀 Open MIT App Inventor