Rocket.Chat allows you to develop and deploy private apps tailored to your specific workspace needs. Unlike public apps, these are manually installed and are only functional within the workspaces where they are uploaded. You can also share your app package privately with other workspace owners for use in their respective environments.
To start developing a Rocket.Chat app, refer to the Apps-Engine guide.
With Apps-Engine, you can create apps to:
Display interactive and dynamic content on their interface, like a modal or the room’s contextual bar.
Create buttons in the UI for users to interact with native content.
Create slash commands for users to trigger more generic interactions.
Register endpoints to receive data from other applications and services.
Work on both desktop and mobile clients.
Send messages to users, create and manage public channels, groups, discussions, and threads.
Finding the Marketplace:
The Marketplace is an icon
in the top navigation bar of your workspace, not a text menu item. Hover over the icon to see the Marketplace label.
Upload and install a private app
To install a private app,
Package the app in a
.zipformat.In the top navigation bar, click the Marketplace icon, then select Explore → Private Apps.
Click Upload Private App.
Click Browse Files and select your
.zippackage.Agree to the required permissions to finalize the installation. Once complete, your app will be installed and ready to use.
The ability to upload private apps is restricted to our Starter and premium plans (Commercial, Government, Defense). This protects the customization features reserved for licensed plans.
Enable or disable a private app
Private apps are enabled automatically after installation. You can disable an app temporarily without uninstalling it. Choose one of the following methods to enable or disable a private app:
To enable or disable an app from the marketplace:
In the top navigation bar, click the Marketplace icon, select Explore → Private Apps, then search for the app.
Select the kebab (⋮) menu next to the app.
Click Enable or Disable.
To enable or disable an app from the App Info page:
In the top navigation bar, click the Marketplace icon, select Explore → Private Apps, then search for the app.
Click the app to open the app’s App Info page.
Select the kebab (⋮) menu under the app name and description.
Click Enable or Disable.
Private app limit for Community workspaces from 7.0
Starting with Rocket.Chat version 7.0, only workspaces on premium plans can install and use private apps. For community users, the following changes will apply:
Exemption to existing private apps: If you had private apps installed and enabled before upgrading to version 7.0, you will still be able to use them. Rocket.Chat will exempt these apps from the private app limit policy.
Re-enabling disabled apps: If you disabled an app before updating to version 7.0, you can re-enable and use it after the update.
Uninstalling private apps: If you uninstall a private app after upgrading to version 7.0, you will not be able to re-upload or reinstall it.
Downgrading from Premium to Community: You will be able to continue using the apps you have after downgrading your workspace.