# AppToPub — Complete Site Content
> Turn any Poe Canvas export into a standalone public web app in 60 seconds.
## What is AppToPub?
AppToPub is a free web tool that converts Poe Canvas HTML exports into standalone, publicly accessible web applications. Users upload their Canvas app HTML and Poe API key, and AppToPub generates a shareable URL that works without a Poe account.
## Key Features
- **Instant Conversion**: Upload HTML → get a public URL in under 60 seconds
- **No End-User Login**: Anyone can access converted apps without a Poe account
- **API Key Security**: Keys are encrypted with AES-256 at rest and never exposed in app source code
- **Custom URLs**: Paid plans support custom URL slugs (e.g., apptopub.com/app/my-cool-app)
- **Usage Analytics**: Track views and API calls per app
- **Password Protection**: Premium feature for restricting app access
## How It Works
1. **Export from Poe**: Download your Canvas app as HTML from Poe.com. Open your Canvas app, click Edit, and copy the entire source code.
2. **Upload & Convert**: Drop the HTML file on AppToPub and enter your Poe API key. Your key is encrypted with AES-256 and never stored in plaintext.
3. **Get Public URL**: Share the generated URL with anyone. No Poe account or login required for end users.
## The Problem AppToPub Solves
Poe Canvas lets you build interactive AI-powered apps, but sharing them is difficult:
- Canvas apps are stuck inside Poe.com
- Everyone who wants to try your app needs a Poe account
- You can export the HTML, but it won't work standalone without Poe's embed API
AppToPub solves all three problems by converting the export into a fully functional public web app.
## Pricing
### Free Plan — $0/month
- 1 published app
- 72-hour expiration (sign in for permanent hosting)
### Basic Plan — $5/month
- 10 published apps
- Permanent hosting (no expiration)
- Custom URL slugs
- Usage analytics
### Premium Plan — $15/month
- 100 published apps
- Permanent hosting (no expiration)
- Custom URL slugs
- Usage analytics
- Password protection
All plans include the core HTML-to-app conversion. Pay only for the days you use — upgrade or downgrade anytime with pro-rated billing.
## Comparison: AppToPub vs Alternatives
| Feature | AppToPub | Poe Official Sharing | Manual Hosting (Replit/Vercel) |
|---------|----------|---------------------|-------------------------------|
| Price | 100% Free | Requires Poe subscription | Paid after free tier |
| End-user needs Poe account? | No | Yes | No |
| Setup time | < 60 seconds | Instant but limited | 10–30 minutes |
| API key privacy | AES-256 encrypted | — | — |
## Frequently Asked Questions
**Do my end users need a Poe account?**
No on all plans. Anyone with the link can use the app.
**Is my Poe API key safe?**
Yes — your API key is encrypted with AES-256 before storage and only decrypted server-side when proxying requests. It is automatically deleted when your deployment expires.
**Can I try AppToPub before paying?**
Yes — the Free plan lets you publish 1 app immediately with no credit card required.
**What plans does AppToPub offer?**
We have three plans: Free ($0), Basic ($5/month), and Premium ($15/month).
**What is included in the Free plan?**
1 published app. Apps expire after 72 hours if you're not signed in — sign in for permanent hosting.
**What is the Basic plan?**
$5/month. Gives you 10 published apps, permanent hosting, custom URL slugs, and usage analytics.
**What is the Premium plan?**
$15/month. Gives you 100 published apps, permanent hosting, custom URL slugs, usage analytics, and password protection.
**How does billing work?**
Pay only for the days you use. You can upgrade or downgrade anytime and we'll calculate the difference automatically.
**Is there a limit on how many apps I can have?**
Yes — Free: 1 app | Basic: 10 apps | Premium: 100 apps.
**What happens when the 72-hour expiration ends on Free plan?**
If you're not signed in, the app link stops working after 72 hours. Sign in to keep your free app permanently. You can also upgrade for more app slots.
**Can I upgrade or downgrade later?**
Yes, anytime. Changes are pro-rated.
**Can I use custom URLs?**
Yes — available on Basic and Premium plans (custom URL slugs).
**Do you provide usage analytics?**
Yes — on Basic and Premium plans.
**Does Premium include password protection?**
Yes, only on the Premium plan.
**Is there any hidden fee?**
No. You only pay the monthly fee you choose.
**What happens if I cancel?**
Your apps stay active until the end of the paid period. Free plan apps expire after 72 hours if you're not signed in.
**What languages are supported?**
English, 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), and 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese) on all plans.
**Can I embed the published app?**
Yes — any published app URL can be embedded in an iframe.
**Are published apps mobile-friendly?**
Yes, fully responsive on all plans.
**How is AppToPub different from Replit or Vercel?**
One-click for Poe Canvas, no coding, no deployment knowledge needed, and special pricing tiers for Poe creators.
**Can I publish the same app on multiple plans?**
You can only have the number of apps allowed by your current plan.
**Will the Free plan always be available?**
Yes, we will always keep a Free plan for testing.
**How do I manage my subscription?**
Click 'Manage Subscription' in your dashboard after logging in.
**How do I get my Poe Canvas HTML?**
In Poe, open your Canvas app and click "Edit" to open the editor. Then copy the entire source code HTML and paste it here. AppToPub lets you share your Poe app without requiring anyone to have an account — just convert and share the link.
**Who built AppToPub and why should I trust it?**
Built by Keith Li. I use it myself daily and am fully transparent about pricing and privacy.
## Privacy Summary
AppToPub collects minimal data: your Poe API key (AES-256 encrypted, auto-deleted after 72 hours), uploaded HTML content, and basic access logs. IP addresses are hashed for rate limiting. No advertising cookies, no third-party analytics, no cross-site tracking. Your API key is never exposed to client-side code.
## Terms Summary
AppToPub is provided "as-is" without warranty. Users are responsible for their API key usage and associated costs. Converted apps expire after 72 hours on the free plan. Custom URLs are licensed, not owned, and may be reclaimed. AppToPub is not affiliated with Poe or Quora.
## URLs
- Homepage: https://apptopub.com
- Pricing: https://apptopub.com/pricing
- FAQ: https://apptopub.com/faq
- Guides: https://apptopub.com/guides
- Terms: https://apptopub.com/terms
- Privacy: https://apptopub.com/privacy
- Changelog: https://apptopub.com/changelog
## Languages
English, 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese)
---
# Guides — Full Article Content
The following sections contain the complete text of all AppToPub guide articles.
---
## What Is Poe Canvas? A Complete Guide for Beginners
URL: https://apptopub.com/guides/what-is-poe-canvas
Poe Canvas is a feature on [Poe.com](https://poe.com) that lets you build interactive web applications powered by AI models — without needing a traditional development environment. If you've ever wanted to create a chatbot, a data tool, a quiz, or an interactive utility that uses GPT-4, Claude, or Gemini, Canvas is the fastest way to go from idea to working prototype.
### How Poe Canvas Works
Canvas provides a browser-based code editor inside Poe where you write HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. What makes it special is the built-in connection to Poe's AI model infrastructure. Your app can send prompts to any AI model available on Poe and receive streaming responses — all through a simple embed API that Poe provides automatically.
The workflow looks like this:
1. **Create a new Canvas project** — Open Poe, start a conversation with a bot, and ask it to create a Canvas app. The AI generates the initial code for you.
2. **Edit and iterate** — Use the built-in editor to modify the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You can also ask the AI to make changes by describing what you want in natural language.
3. **Preview live** — Canvas renders your app in real-time as you edit. You can see exactly how it looks and behaves without switching tools.
4. **Share within Poe** — Other Poe users can access your Canvas app through a Poe link. They need a Poe account to use it.
### Who Uses Poe Canvas?
Canvas attracts a wide range of creators, each with distinct goals:
- **Freelancers building client tools** — A freelance marketer builds a custom content brief generator for each client. The client describes their product, and the app produces a structured brief with target keywords, tone guidelines, and competitor references. The freelancer delivers this as a standalone tool the client can reuse without scheduling calls.
- **Teachers creating study aids** — A high school science teacher builds a quiz app that generates questions from any textbook chapter. Students paste in their reading material, and the app creates a multiple-choice quiz with explanations. The teacher shares the link in their class portal so students can self-test before exams.
- **Indie developers prototyping ideas** — A developer with a startup idea builds a working prototype in 15 minutes instead of spending a weekend on boilerplate. They test the concept with real users by sharing a public link, gather feedback, and decide whether to invest in a full build — all before writing a single line of backend code.
### What Can You Build with Poe Canvas?
Canvas is surprisingly versatile. Here are real categories of apps people build:
- **AI chatbots** — Custom conversational interfaces with specific personas, system prompts, and response styles
- **Educational tools** — Quiz generators, flashcard apps, language tutors, and study aids powered by AI
- **Content generators** — Blog post writers, social media caption tools, email drafters with customizable templates
- **Data utilities** — CSV analyzers, JSON formatters, text transformers, and document summarizers
- **Creative tools** — Story generators, poetry assistants, RPG game masters, and interactive fiction engines
- **Business tools** — Invoice generators, meeting summarizers, competitive analysis helpers, and customer FAQ bots
- **Games** — Trivia games, word puzzles, and interactive adventures that use AI for dynamic content
For specific project inspiration, see the guide on [10 Poe Canvas app ideas you can build and share today](https://apptopub.com/guides/poe-canvas-app-ideas).
### The Sharing Limitation
Canvas has one significant constraint: **apps only work inside Poe**. When you share a Canvas app link, the recipient must have a Poe account and be logged in to use it. This limits your audience to existing Poe users.
This creates real problems if you want to:
- Share your app with clients who don't use Poe
- Post a working demo on social media
- Embed the app on your own website
- Include it in a portfolio that hiring managers can access
- Distribute it to a broad audience via email or messaging apps
### How to Make Canvas Apps Public
[AppToPub](https://apptopub.com) solves the sharing limitation. It takes your Canvas app's HTML source code, rewrites the API calls to use your own [Poe API key](https://apptopub.com/guides/get-poe-api-key), and deploys it as a standalone public web app with its own URL.
The conversion process takes under 60 seconds:
1. [Export your Canvas app's HTML](https://apptopub.com/guides/export-poe-canvas-html)
2. Paste it into AppToPub along with your Poe API key
3. Get a public URL that anyone can access — no Poe account required
The full walkthrough is covered in the [conversion guide](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website).
### Canvas vs. Traditional Web Development
Canvas isn't a replacement for traditional web development — it's a different tool for a different purpose:
| Criterion | Poe Canvas | Traditional Dev |
|-----------|-----------|-----------------|
| Setup time | Zero — open Poe and start building | Hours of project scaffolding, tooling, and configuration |
| AI integration | Built-in — one API call to any model on Poe | Manual — register API keys, install SDKs, handle auth |
| Complexity ceiling | Single-page apps with focused functionality | Multi-page apps with databases, auth, and microservices |
| Hosting | Inside Poe by default; public via AppToPub | Any hosting provider (Vercel, AWS, etc.) |
| Persistent storage | None — session-only data | Full database support |
| Best for | Prototypes, utilities, and AI-powered tools | Production SaaS, e-commerce, complex apps |
### Limitations to Know Before You Start
Canvas is powerful for what it does, but it has real constraints:
- **Single-file apps only** — Your entire app must live in one HTML file. You can't split code across multiple files or use module imports.
- **No persistent databases** — Canvas apps can't store data between sessions. Every time a user refreshes, the app resets. You can use `localStorage` for client-side persistence, but there's no server-side database.
- **No server-side logic** — Everything runs in the browser. You can't run backend code, schedule tasks, or process data server-side. The only server interaction is through Poe's AI model API.
- **Poe ecosystem dependency** — Your app's AI features rely on Poe's infrastructure. If Poe changes their API or pricing, your app is affected.
### Getting Started with Canvas
If you're new to Poe Canvas, here's the simplest path to your first public app:
1. Create a free account at [poe.com](https://poe.com)
2. Start a conversation with any bot and ask it to "create a Canvas app that does [your idea]"
3. Iterate on the design by telling the bot what to change
4. When you're happy with it, [export the HTML](https://apptopub.com/guides/export-poe-canvas-html) and [convert it with AppToPub](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website)
Ready to build your first app? The next step is getting your API key so your app can communicate with AI models once it's deployed. Follow the guide on [how to get your Poe API key](https://apptopub.com/guides/get-poe-api-key) to continue.
---
## How to Get Your Poe API Key
URL: https://apptopub.com/guides/get-poe-api-key
Every Poe Canvas app that uses AI models needs a Poe API key to function outside of the Poe platform. When you convert your Canvas app into a standalone web app with [AppToPub](https://apptopub.com), the API key is what lets your deployed app communicate with AI models like GPT-4, Claude, and Gemini. This guide explains exactly how to get one.
### What Is a Poe API Key?
Poe provides a developer API that lets external applications send messages to AI models and receive responses. Your API key is the credential that authenticates these requests. Think of it as a password that proves your app has permission to use Poe's AI infrastructure.
When your Canvas app runs inside Poe, it uses Poe's built-in authentication automatically. But once you export it and host it as a standalone web app, it needs your API key to continue working. AppToPub encrypts your key with AES-256 and never exposes it in the app's source code.
### Step-by-Step: Get Your Poe API Key
1. **Log in to Poe.** Go to [poe.com](https://poe.com) and sign in with your account.
2. **Open your account settings.** Click your profile icon in the top-right corner, then select *Settings* from the dropdown menu.
3. **Navigate to API Keys.** Go to [poe.com/api_key](https://poe.com/api_key) directly, or find the *API Keys* / *Developer* section in the settings sidebar.
4. **Generate a new key.** Click the *Create API Key* button. Poe will generate a unique key string — it typically starts with a prefix and contains a long alphanumeric string.
5. **Copy and store the key securely.** Copy the key immediately. Poe may only show it once. Store it in a password manager or secure note — do not share it publicly or commit it to source code.
### API Key Security Checklist
Your API key grants access to Poe's AI models on your account. Treat it like a password:
1. **Do** store your key in a password manager or encrypted note. **Don't** paste it into public chat rooms, GitHub repos, or social media posts.
2. **Do** use AppToPub's encrypted key storage — your key is AES-256 encrypted before it touches the database. **Don't** embed the raw key directly in any HTML or JavaScript file you share.
3. **Do** rotate your key immediately if you suspect it's been compromised. **Don't** reuse the same key after a security incident without revoking the old one first.
4. **Do** monitor your Poe usage dashboard for unexpected spikes. **Don't** ignore email alerts from Poe about unusual activity.
### How AppToPub Uses Your API Key
When you paste your API key into AppToPub during the [conversion process](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website), here's what happens:
1. Your key is encrypted using AES-256 encryption before being stored in the database. The raw key is never saved in plaintext.
2. When someone visits your deployed app, AppToPub's backend server decrypts the key on the fly to proxy API requests to Poe. The key is never sent to the user's browser.
3. The original Canvas app's API calls are rewritten to route through AppToPub's secure proxy, so your key stays hidden from end users.
This architecture means your visitors get a seamless AI-powered experience while your API credentials remain protected.
### API Key Limits and Usage
Poe API keys have usage limits that depend on your Poe subscription tier:
- **Rate limits** — Poe imposes rate limits on API calls. High-traffic apps may hit these limits during peak usage.
- **Model access** — Your API key's available models depend on your Poe subscription. Free accounts may have limited model access compared to paid subscriptions.
- **Cost** — API calls consume Poe compute credits. Monitor your usage in Poe's dashboard and in [AppToPub's analytics](https://apptopub.com/guides/track-poe-canvas-app-analytics) to avoid unexpected charges.
### Troubleshooting
**I don't see an API Keys section in my settings**
API key access may require a Poe subscription or developer account enrollment. Check Poe's documentation for current eligibility requirements.
**My key isn't working after pasting it into AppToPub**
Make sure you copied the entire key string without leading or trailing spaces. Also verify the key hasn't been revoked in your Poe settings.
**Can I use the same key for multiple apps?**
Yes. A single Poe API key works across all your AppToPub deployments. All apps will share the same rate limits and usage quota tied to that key.
**Should I rotate my key periodically?**
It's good security practice. If you rotate your key in Poe, you'll need to update each deployed app in AppToPub with the new key through the Projects dashboard.
### What's Next?
You have your API key — now it's time to grab your app's source code. The next step is [exporting your Poe Canvas app as HTML](https://apptopub.com/guides/export-poe-canvas-html), which takes about 30 seconds and sets you up for the conversion process.
---
## How to Export Your Poe Canvas App as HTML
URL: https://apptopub.com/guides/export-poe-canvas-html
Poe Canvas is a powerful tool for building interactive AI-powered apps directly inside [Poe.com](https://poe.com). But what if you want to share your creation with people who don't have a Poe account? The first step is exporting your Canvas app's HTML source code. This guide walks you through the entire process.
### What Is Poe Canvas?
Poe Canvas is a feature within Poe that lets you build interactive web applications powered by AI models like GPT-4, Claude, and Gemini. These apps run inside Poe's embedded environment and can include chat interfaces, data visualizations, games, utilities, and more.
The catch: Canvas apps are tied to the Poe platform. Anyone who wants to use your app needs a Poe account, and there's no built-in way to host them as standalone websites. That's where exporting the HTML comes in.
### Why Export Your Canvas App?
- **Share publicly** — Send a link to friends, clients, or on social media without requiring a Poe login
- **Embed anywhere** — Drop the converted app into your own website via an iframe
- **Portfolio showcase** — Demonstrate your AI app-building skills with a live, working demo
- **Client delivery** — Hand off a polished, standalone app to clients
### Step-by-Step: Export Your Poe Canvas App HTML
1. **Open Poe.com and navigate to your Canvas app.** Log in to your Poe account at [poe.com](https://poe.com) and find the Canvas app you want to export.
2. **Click "Edit" to open the Canvas editor.** You'll see the full source code of your app — this is the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that powers your Canvas creation.
3. **Select all the source code.** Use `Ctrl+A` (Windows/Linux) or `Cmd+A` (Mac) to select the entire content of the editor.
4. **Copy the source code.** Use `Ctrl+C` or `Cmd+C` to copy it to your clipboard.
5. **Paste into AppToPub.** Go to [AppToPub](https://apptopub.com) and paste the HTML into the upload area. You can also save the code as an `.html` file first and upload that instead.
### What Does the Exported HTML Contain?
The exported HTML is a single-file [web application](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML). It typically includes:
- **HTML structure** — The layout and UI elements of your app
- **CSS styles** — Inline or embedded stylesheets for appearance
- **JavaScript logic** — App behavior, API calls to Poe's inference endpoints, and interactivity
- **Poe API references** — Calls to Poe's embed API that enable AI model communication
The key thing to understand: this HTML file *won't work* if you just open it in a browser. It relies on Poe's API infrastructure for AI model access. That's exactly what [AppToPub](https://apptopub.com) solves — it rewrites the API calls to use your own Poe API key, making the app fully standalone.
### Common Issues When Exporting
**I can't find the Edit button**
Make sure you're viewing a Canvas app, not a regular Poe bot. Canvas apps have an "Edit" option that opens the source code editor.
**The copied code looks incomplete**
Ensure you've selected *all* the content in the editor. Use `Ctrl+A` / `Cmd+A` to select everything, not just what's visible on screen.
**My app uses external resources**
If your Canvas app loads external CDN scripts or stylesheets, AppToPub will handle proxying those resources automatically. No manual changes needed.
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Do I need a Poe subscription to export?**
No. Any Poe user can access the Canvas editor and copy the source code. You do need a Poe API key to use AppToPub, which is available through Poe's developer settings.
**Can I export someone else's Canvas app?**
You can only access the editor for Canvas apps you've created or have edit access to. Respect other creators' intellectual property.
**Is the exported HTML the same as "View Source"?**
No. The Canvas editor shows the *app source code*, which is different from the browser's "View Source" output. Always use the Canvas editor's Edit view.
With your HTML exported, you're ready for the next step: turning it into a live public website. Head over to the [guide on converting your Poe app to a public website](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website) to deploy it in under 60 seconds.
---
## How to Convert a Poe Canvas App to a Public Website
URL: https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website
You've built an amazing AI-powered app with Poe Canvas, and you've [exported the HTML source code](https://apptopub.com/guides/export-poe-canvas-html). Now what? This guide shows you how to convert that HTML into a live, publicly accessible website using [AppToPub](https://apptopub.com) — in under 60 seconds, with zero coding required.
### What You'll Need
- **Your Poe Canvas HTML** — The source code copied from the Canvas editor (see the [export guide](https://apptopub.com/guides/export-poe-canvas-html) if you haven't done this yet)
- **A Poe API key** — Available from your [Poe developer settings](https://poe.com/api_key). This key allows your converted app to communicate with AI models.
### Step-by-Step Conversion Process
1. **Go to [AppToPub](https://apptopub.com).** The upload area is right on the homepage — no account needed to start.
2. **Paste or upload your HTML.** You can either paste the HTML source code directly into the text area, or upload a saved `.html` file. AppToPub accepts both methods.
3. **Enter your Poe API key.** Paste your API key into the designated field. Your key is encrypted with AES-256 before storage and is never exposed in the app's client-side code.
4. **Click "Convert & Publish".** AppToPub processes your HTML, rewrites the Poe API calls to use your key securely, and deploys the app to a unique URL.
5. **Copy your public URL.** Within seconds, you'll receive a shareable link like `apptopub.com/app/abc123`. Anyone with this link can use your app — no Poe account required.
### How AppToPub Converts Your App
Under the hood, AppToPub performs several transformations to make your Canvas app work as a standalone website:
- **API proxy rewriting** — Poe Canvas apps call Poe's embed API directly. AppToPub rewrites these calls to route through a secure server-side proxy that uses your encrypted API key. End users never see or access your key.
- **CDN resource proxying** — External scripts and stylesheets referenced by your app are proxied to ensure they load correctly from the deployed URL.
- **Standalone deployment** — Your app is served as a complete, independent web page with its own URL, fully functional without the Poe.com environment.
### What AppToPub Does NOT Do
- **It doesn't add features to your app** — AppToPub converts your HTML exactly as-is. If your Canvas app has bugs or missing features, they'll be present in the converted version too.
- **It doesn't provide custom domains** — Your app lives at `apptopub.com/app/your-slug`. You can't point your own domain name to it.
- **It doesn't add server-side logic** — The conversion proxies API calls and serves static HTML. If your app needs backend processing beyond what Poe's API provides, you'll need traditional hosting.
### Free vs. Paid Plans
AppToPub offers three [pricing tiers](https://apptopub.com/pricing):
- **Free ($0/month)** — 1 published app. Apps expire after 72 hours if you're not signed in; sign in for permanent hosting.
- **Basic ($5/month)** — 10 apps, permanent hosting, custom URL slugs (e.g., `apptopub.com/app/my-cool-app`), and usage analytics.
- **Premium ($15/month)** — 100 apps, all Basic features plus password protection for restricting access.
### Customizing Your App URL
On Basic and Premium plans, you can set a custom URL slug for your app. Instead of a random ID like `apptopub.com/app/abc123`, you can choose something memorable like `apptopub.com/app/my-ai-calculator`. This is especially useful for professional client presentations, social media sharing, and portfolio pages.
### Troubleshooting
**My app shows a blank page after conversion**
This usually means the HTML wasn't copied completely. Go back to the Poe Canvas editor, use `Ctrl+A` / `Cmd+A` to select all, and try again.
**API calls aren't working**
Double-check that your Poe API key is valid and has sufficient credits. You can verify your key at [poe.com/api_key](https://poe.com/api_key).
**The app looks different from the Canvas version**
Minor rendering differences can occur because the app is no longer inside Poe's iframe environment. Most apps work identically.
Your app is live — now it's time to get it in front of people. Learn how to [share your app with anyone, no Poe account required](https://apptopub.com/guides/share-poe-canvas-app-without-account), including tips for social media, email distribution, and client delivery.
---
## How to Share a Poe Canvas App Without Requiring an Account
URL: https://apptopub.com/guides/share-poe-canvas-app-without-account
You've built something great with Poe Canvas — maybe an AI-powered calculator, a creative writing tool, or an interactive data visualization. But here's the problem: everyone who wants to try it needs a Poe account. That limits your audience to existing Poe users.
This guide shows you how to share your Poe Canvas app with *anyone* — friends, clients, social media followers, or website visitors — without them needing to sign up for anything.
### The Problem: Poe's Walled Garden
Poe Canvas apps are powerful, but they're confined to the Poe ecosystem:
- **Login required** — Every user needs a Poe account to access your app
- **No public URLs** — You can't generate a simple link that works for everyone
- **No embedding** — You can't put your app on your own website or blog
- **Limited sharing** — Sending someone a Poe link means they'll hit a login wall
For creators, developers, and freelancers, this is a significant barrier.
### The Solution: Convert with AppToPub
[AppToPub](https://apptopub.com) converts your Poe Canvas app into a standalone public website. The result is a simple URL like `apptopub.com/app/my-app` that works for anyone with a web browser — no login, no Poe account, no friction.
The process takes three steps:
1. [Export your app's HTML](https://apptopub.com/guides/export-poe-canvas-html) from the Poe Canvas editor
2. [Convert it with AppToPub](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website) by pasting the HTML and your Poe API key
3. Share the generated public URL
### Sharing Your Converted App
Once your app is live on AppToPub, you have a public URL. Here's how to make the most of it:
#### Social Media
Share your app link directly on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Reddit, or any social platform. Because AppToPub generates proper Open Graph meta tags, your link will display with a preview card showing your app's name.
**Pro tip:** On paid plans, use a custom URL slug (e.g., `apptopub.com/app/ai-recipe-generator`) for more memorable and shareable links.
#### Email & Messaging
Copy the URL and paste it into any email or chat message. Recipients click the link and immediately start using your app. No setup, no downloads, no account creation.
#### Embedding on Your Website
Any AppToPub URL can be embedded in an iframe on your own website or blog:
```html
```
Always include a descriptive `title` attribute for [accessibility](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Reference/Elements/iframe).
#### Client Delivery
Freelancers and agencies can deliver AI-powered tools to clients as simple links. On the Premium plan, you can even add password protection to restrict access to specific clients.
### Sharing Capabilities by Plan
| Feature | Free | Basic ($5/mo) | Premium ($15/mo) |
|---------|------|---------------|------------------|
| Public sharing link | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Permanent hosting | Sign in required | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom URL slug | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Usage analytics | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Password protection | — | — | ✓ |
| App limit | 1 | 10 | 100 |
| Expiration (unsigned) | 72 hours | Never | Never |
### Tracking Usage
On Basic and Premium plans, AppToPub provides usage analytics so you can see view count, API call count, and daily trends.
### Best Practices for Sharing
1. **Use custom slugs** — A URL like `apptopub.com/app/budget-planner` is far more clickable than `apptopub.com/app/a1b2c3d4`
2. **Test before sharing** — Open your app URL in an incognito/private browser window to see exactly what your recipients will experience
3. **Include context** — When sharing, add a brief description of what the app does and why it's useful
4. **Monitor analytics** — Check your usage dashboard after sharing to see if people are actually engaging
### Frequently Asked Questions
**Do my app users need to install anything?**
No. Your app runs entirely in the browser. Recipients just click the link — no downloads, no plugins, no accounts.
**Is my Poe API key exposed to app users?**
No. Your API key is encrypted with AES-256 and stored securely on the server. All AI model calls are proxied server-side.
**Can I share on mobile?**
Yes. All AppToPub-hosted apps are fully responsive and work on phones and tablets.
Want to go beyond sharing links? You can embed your app directly on any website. See the guide on [how to embed a Poe Canvas app on your website](https://apptopub.com/guides/embed-poe-canvas-app-on-website) for iframe code examples and platform-specific instructions.
---
## How to Embed a Poe Canvas App on Your Website
URL: https://apptopub.com/guides/embed-poe-canvas-app-on-website
Once you've [converted your Poe Canvas app](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website) into a standalone web app with AppToPub, you can embed it directly on your own website. This lets visitors interact with your AI-powered app without leaving your site — perfect for portfolios, client demos, landing pages, and product showcases.
### Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure you have:
1. A deployed AppToPub app with a working public URL (e.g., `https://apptopub.com/app/your-app-id`)
2. Access to your website's HTML editor or CMS page builder
If you haven't converted your Canvas app yet, follow the [conversion guide](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website) first.
### Basic Embed Code
The simplest way to embed your app is with an HTML [`
```
Key attributes explained:
- `width="100%"` — Makes the app fill the container width, adapting to different screen sizes
- `height="600"` — Sets a fixed height in pixels. Chat-style apps typically need 500-700px.
- `style="border: none;"` — Removes the default iframe border for a cleaner look
- `loading="lazy"` — Delays loading until the iframe is near the viewport, improving page performance
- `title` — Provides an accessible label for screen readers. Always include this.
### Responsive Embed
For apps that need to resize proportionally on mobile devices, wrap the iframe in a responsive container:
```html
```
The `padding-bottom: 75%` creates a 4:3 aspect ratio. Change it to `56.25%` for 16:9 or `100%` for a square.
### Platform-Specific Instructions
#### WordPress
1. Open the page or post where you want the embed
2. Add a *Custom HTML* block (click **+** → search "HTML")
3. Paste the iframe code
4. Click *Preview* to verify it loads correctly
5. Publish or update the page
If your WordPress theme strips iframes, install a plugin like "iframe" or use the Elementor/Divi HTML widget instead.
#### Wix
1. Open the Wix Editor for your page
2. Click **Add** → **Embed Code** → **Embed HTML**
3. Paste the iframe code into the HTML field
4. Resize the embed element to fit your page layout
5. Save and publish
#### Squarespace
1. Edit the page and add a new block
2. Choose **Code** from the block options
3. Paste the iframe code
4. Toggle *Display Source* off to see the rendered preview
5. Save the page
#### Notion
Notion supports embeds natively. Type `/embed` in any page, paste your AppToPub app URL, and Notion will render it inline. You can resize the embed by dragging the corner handles.
### When NOT to Use iframes
Iframes are the right tool for most embed scenarios, but they have limitations:
- **SEO-sensitive pages** — Search engines generally don't index iframe content as part of the parent page.
- **Performance-critical pages** — Each iframe loads a separate page, adding to your total page weight.
- **Mobile-first experiences** — Iframes with fixed heights can create awkward scrolling on small screens.
### Styling Tips
- **Match your site's theme** — If your Canvas app has a light/dark mode, make sure it aligns with your website's color scheme
- **Add context** — Place a heading and brief description above the embed
- **Set appropriate height** — Test the embed on mobile to ensure the height works on smaller screens
- **Use a custom URL** — If you have a [Basic or Premium plan](https://apptopub.com/pricing), you can [set a custom URL slug](https://apptopub.com/guides/custom-url-poe-canvas-app) for a cleaner embed source URL
### Troubleshooting
**The embed shows a blank white box**
Check that your app URL is correct and the deployment is still active. Free-tier apps expire after 72 hours.
**The app loads but looks broken on mobile**
Use the responsive embed code with a percentage-based padding-bottom. Also check if your Canvas app's CSS is responsive.
**My CMS strips the iframe code**
Some CMS platforms sanitize HTML for security. Look for an "HTML embed" or "code block" widget that bypasses sanitization.
Your app is embedded and visitors are using it — now find out how much. Set up [usage analytics](https://apptopub.com/guides/track-poe-canvas-app-analytics) to monitor views and AI API calls.
---
## How to Set a Custom URL for Your Poe Canvas App
URL: https://apptopub.com/guides/custom-url-poe-canvas-app
When you [deploy a Poe Canvas app](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website) with AppToPub, it gets a URL with an auto-generated ID like `apptopub.com/app/a1b2c3d4`. That works, but it's not memorable or professional. With a paid plan, you can replace that random ID with a custom slug like `apptopub.com/app/my-quiz-bot` — making it easy to share verbally, print on business cards, or include in presentations.
### What Is a Custom URL Slug?
A "slug" is the readable part of a URL that comes after the domain. On AppToPub, your app's URL structure is:
```
apptopub.com/app/[slug]
```
By default, the slug is a randomly generated UUID (like `f47ac10b-58cc`). A custom slug lets you replace that with something meaningful.
### Step-by-Step: Set a Custom URL
1. **Log in to [AppToPub](https://apptopub.com)** and go to your Projects dashboard
2. **Find the app you want to customize.** Locate it in your list of deployed apps.
3. **Click the edit icon** next to the app to open its settings.
4. **Enter your desired slug** in the custom URL field. Slugs can contain lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens. For example: `recipe-helper`, `quiz-bot-v2`, or `team-summarizer`.
5. **Check availability.** AppToPub validates that your chosen slug isn't already taken.
6. **Save.** Your app is immediately accessible at the new URL. The old auto-generated URL continues to work as well.
### Slug Naming Tips
These guidelines follow [Google's URL structure best practices](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/crawling-indexing/url-structure) for readable, shareable web addresses:
- **Keep it short** — Aim for 2-4 words separated by hyphens
- **Be descriptive** — Use words that describe what the app does: `email-drafter`, `code-reviewer`, `study-flashcards`
- **Include your brand** — Prefix with a brand name: `acme-support-bot`
- **Avoid special characters** — Stick to lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens
- **Version thoughtfully** — Use suffixes like `-v2` or `-2026` rather than overwriting the slug of a shared app
### Plan Requirements
Custom URLs are available on [Basic ($5/month) and Premium ($15/month)](https://apptopub.com/pricing) plans. Free-tier apps use auto-generated IDs only.
### URL Strategy for Different Use Cases
- **Client work** — Prefix with the client or project name: `acme-onboarding-quiz`, `smith-co-support-bot`
- **Portfolio pieces** — Use descriptive, technology-focused names: `ai-recipe-generator`, `code-review-tool`
- **Internal tools** — Include your team or department: `eng-standup-summarizer`, `sales-email-drafter`
- **Educational content** — Lead with the subject: `spanish-verb-quiz`, `physics-flashcards`
### Troubleshooting
**The slug I want is already taken**
Slugs are unique across all AppToPub users. Try adding a qualifier — your initials, a version number, or a more specific descriptor.
**Can I change my slug later?**
Yes. Go back to the Projects dashboard, edit the app, and enter a new slug. The previous custom slug becomes available for others to use.
**Will the old URL still work?**
The original auto-generated UUID URL always works regardless of custom slug changes. If you change from one custom slug to another, the previous custom slug will stop resolving.
Now that your app has a professional URL, it's ready to be showcased. Learn how to [embed it directly on your website](https://apptopub.com/guides/embed-poe-canvas-app-on-website) with a clean iframe integration.
---
## How to Password Protect Your Poe Canvas App
URL: https://apptopub.com/guides/password-protect-poe-canvas-app
When you [convert a Poe Canvas app into a public web app](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website), it's accessible to anyone with the link by default. That's great for broad distribution — but sometimes you want to restrict access. Maybe it's a client demo, an internal business tool, a paid utility, or simply something you're not ready to share publicly. AppToPub's password protection feature lets you control who can use your app.
### How Password Protection Works
When you enable password protection on an AppToPub deployment, visitors who navigate to your app URL see a password prompt instead of the app itself. Here's what happens behind the scenes:
1. You set a password through the AppToPub Projects dashboard
2. The password is hashed using [bcrypt](https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Password_Storage_Cheat_Sheet.html) (an industry-standard algorithm recommended by OWASP) before being stored — AppToPub never stores your password in plaintext
3. When a visitor enters the password, it's verified server-side against the stored hash
4. On successful verification, the visitor gets a time-limited session token that grants access to the app
This is server-side protection — the app's HTML and JavaScript are never sent to the browser until the password is verified. It's not a client-side overlay that can be bypassed by inspecting the page source.
### Step-by-Step: Add Password Protection
1. **Log in to [AppToPub](https://apptopub.com).** Go to your Projects dashboard.
2. **Find the app you want to protect.** Locate it in your list of deployed apps.
3. **Open the app settings.** Click the edit or settings icon next to the app.
4. **Set a password.** Enter a strong password in the password field. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
5. **Save.** The password is immediately active.
### Use Cases for Password Protection
- **Client demos** — Share the app URL and password with specific clients. Revoke access later by changing the password.
- **Paid tools** — Use the password as a simple access control mechanism. Share the password only with paying customers.
- **Internal tools** — Protect business utilities that shouldn't be publicly accessible.
- **Beta testing** — Gate access to an early version of your app while you gather feedback from a controlled group.
- **Portfolio pieces** — Protect sensitive client work while still being able to show it in interviews.
### Managing Passwords
**Changing the password**
Go to your Projects dashboard, open the app settings, and enter a new password. The change takes effect immediately.
**Removing password protection**
Clear the password field and save. The app reverts to public access.
**Sharing passwords securely**
Don't include the password in the same message as the app URL. Send the URL and password through separate channels for better security.
### Plan Requirements
Password protection is available on the [Premium plan ($15/month)](https://apptopub.com/pricing). Free and Basic plans don't include this feature.
### Troubleshooting
**Visitors say the password doesn't work**
Passwords are case-sensitive. Make sure they're entering the exact password including uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
**I forgot the password I set**
You can always set a new password through the Projects dashboard. There's no way to retrieve the current password since it's stored as a hash.
Your app is now protected — but are your authorized users actually using it? Set up [usage analytics](https://apptopub.com/guides/track-poe-canvas-app-analytics) to monitor how many visitors access your protected app.
---
## How to Track Usage Analytics on Your Poe Canvas App
URL: https://apptopub.com/guides/track-poe-canvas-app-analytics
Once you've [deployed a Poe Canvas app](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website) with AppToPub, you'll want to know how people are using it. How many visitors does it get? How many AI API calls is it making? Is usage growing or declining? AppToPub's built-in analytics give you answers without needing any third-party tracking tools.
### What AppToPub Tracks
AppToPub automatically tracks two core metrics for every deployed app:
**Page views**
Every time someone loads your app URL, it counts as a view. This tells you how many people are visiting your app. Views are counted server-side, so they're accurate even if visitors have JavaScript disabled or use ad blockers.
**API calls**
Every time your app sends a message to an AI model (GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, etc.) through the proxy, it counts as an API call. This tells you how actively visitors are engaging with the AI features.
### Accessing Your Analytics
1. **Log in to AppToPub** and go to your Analytics dashboard
2. **View the summary cards** at the top showing total views and API calls across all your apps for the last 30 days
3. **Check the daily chart** to see usage trends over time
4. **Review the per-app table** to compare performance across your deployed apps
### Understanding the Dashboard
#### Summary Cards
The top of the analytics page shows three key numbers for the last 30 days: total views, total API calls, and active apps.
#### Daily Trend Chart
The line chart shows views and API calls per day. Use it to spot patterns:
- A spike in views after sharing on social media tells you which channels drive traffic
- A high view-to-API-call ratio means visitors are engaging deeply with your app's AI features
- A low view-to-API-call ratio might mean visitors load the page but don't interact
#### Per-App Table
The table below the chart lists each app with its individual view count and API call count. Sort by these columns to find your top performers.
### Practical Uses for Analytics
- **Validate your idea** — If an app gets consistent views and API calls, it's solving a real problem
- **Monitor API costs** — High API call counts mean higher Poe credit usage
- **Measure marketing impact** — Share your app on different platforms and check which days show view spikes
- **Client reporting** — Share analytics data to demonstrate the value of what you've delivered
- **Portfolio evidence** — Real usage numbers add credibility when showcasing your apps
### Plan Requirements
Analytics is available on [Basic ($5/month) and Premium ($15/month)](https://apptopub.com/pricing) plans.
### How to Act on Your Data
**High views, low API calls (ratio below 0.1)**
Visitors are loading your app but not engaging with the AI features. Your app's onboarding is unclear — add a visible prompt, example inputs, or a "Try it" button.
**Low views, high API calls (ratio above 5)**
A small number of power users are driving heavy usage. This is positive — your app is sticky. Check your Poe API credit consumption to ensure costs are sustainable.
**Sudden view spike on a specific day**
Correlate the date with your sharing activity. The spike tells you which channel drives the most traffic. Double down on what works.
**Steady decline over time**
Your initial distribution channels are exhausted. Try sharing in new communities, adding the app to a different page on your website, or refreshing the app with new features.
### Troubleshooting
**Analytics shows zero views but I know people are visiting**
Make sure you're checking the correct date range. Analytics data is tracked daily and may take a short time to update.
**API calls seem very high relative to views**
This usually means your app makes multiple AI calls per session. A chat app makes one API call per message, so a 10-message conversation generates 10 API calls. This is normal.
With analytics data in hand, you can make smarter decisions about your apps. One quick win: give your top-performing app a memorable [custom URL](https://apptopub.com/guides/custom-url-poe-canvas-app) so it's easier to share.
---
## 10 Poe Canvas App Ideas You Can Build and Share Today
URL: https://apptopub.com/guides/poe-canvas-app-ideas
Poe Canvas makes it remarkably easy to build AI-powered apps — but deciding *what* to build is often the hardest part. Here are 10 practical app ideas you can create in Poe Canvas, convert with [AppToPub](https://apptopub.com), and share publicly. Each idea includes what makes it useful, what AI model works best, and why it's worth sharing as a standalone web app.
New to Poe Canvas? [Read the beginner's guide first](https://apptopub.com/guides/what-is-poe-canvas).
### How to Choose Your First App
Before diving into the ideas, here's a practical framework:
- **Build what you need yourself** — The best apps solve a problem you personally face
- **Start small, then expand** — A focused tool that does one thing well is more impressive than an ambitious app that does five things poorly
- **Think about your audience** — If you can name specific people who will use this, you're on the right track
### 1. Custom AI Chatbot with a Specific Persona
*Difficulty: Beginner · Build time: ~5 minutes*
Build a chatbot that embodies a specific character or expertise area — a Shakespearean writing tutor, a sarcastic code reviewer, a patient cooking instructor, or a historical figure.
**Why share it:** Persona chatbots are inherently fun and shareable. They're also excellent portfolio pieces that demonstrate prompt engineering skills.
**Best model:** Claude or GPT-4 for nuanced, character-consistent responses.
**Starter prompt for Poe:** "Create a Canvas app with a chat interface where the AI responds as a Shakespearean writing tutor. It should correct the user's writing using iambic pentameter examples and Early Modern English vocabulary, while being encouraging and pedagogical."
### 2. Email Drafter
*Difficulty: Beginner · Build time: ~10 minutes*
Create a tool where users describe the email they need (context, tone, recipient relationship) and the app generates a polished draft. Include options for formal, casual, apologetic, or follow-up tones.
**Why share it:** Everyone writes emails. A tool that eliminates writer's block for professional communication has universal appeal.
**Best model:** GPT-4 for its strong writing style and tone control.
### 3. Interactive Quiz Generator
*Difficulty: Intermediate · Build time: ~15 minutes*
Build an app where users enter a topic and the AI generates a multiple-choice quiz with explanations for each answer.
**Why share it:** Educational tools have long-term value. Teachers bookmark them, students share them in study groups.
**Best model:** Gemini or GPT-4 for factual accuracy and structured output.
**Starter prompt for Poe:** "Create a Canvas app where the user enters a study topic and number of questions. The AI generates a multiple-choice quiz with 4 options per question, tracks the score, and shows detailed explanations for each answer after submission."
### 4. Meeting Notes Summarizer
*Difficulty: Beginner · Build time: ~10 minutes*
Create a tool where users paste raw meeting transcripts or notes and the app extracts key decisions, action items, owners, and deadlines.
**Why share it:** This solves a daily pain point for anyone who attends meetings. It's one of those apps people use every day once they discover it.
**Best model:** Claude for its excellent summarization and structured extraction abilities.
### 5. Code Explainer
*Difficulty: Beginner · Build time: ~10 minutes*
Build a tool that takes a block of code in any language and produces a line-by-line explanation in plain English. Optionally add a "suggest improvements" mode.
**Why share it:** Invaluable for junior developers, students learning to code, and senior developers reviewing unfamiliar codebases.
**Best model:** GPT-4 or Claude for strong code comprehension across languages.
**Starter prompt for Poe:** "Create a Canvas app with a code input area and a language selector dropdown. When the user pastes code and clicks 'Explain', the AI produces a line-by-line explanation in plain English. Add a toggle for 'Suggest improvements' mode that also recommends refactoring."
### 6. Social Media Caption Writer
*Difficulty: Beginner · Build time: ~10 minutes*
Create a tool where users describe their post (photo context, platform, target audience) and the app generates multiple caption options with relevant hashtags. Support Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and TikTok formats.
**Why share it:** Content creators, small business owners, and social media managers all struggle with captions.
**Best model:** GPT-4 for creative, platform-aware writing.
### 7. Resume Bullet Point Optimizer
*Difficulty: Intermediate · Build time: ~15 minutes*
Build an app where users paste a job description and their current resume bullet points. The AI rewrites each bullet to better match the job requirements, using strong action verbs and quantified achievements.
**Why share it:** Job seekers are a massive audience with high motivation to find and use helpful tools.
**Best model:** Claude or GPT-4 for nuanced professional writing.
### 8. Language Practice Companion
*Difficulty: Intermediate · Build time: ~15 minutes*
Create a conversational AI that chats with users in their target language, corrects grammar mistakes inline, and suggests more natural phrasing.
**Why share it:** Language learning apps are sticky — people come back daily.
**Best model:** GPT-4 for broad multilingual fluency and nuanced grammar correction.
### 9. Startup Name Generator
*Difficulty: Beginner · Build time: ~5 minutes*
Build a tool where users describe their business idea, target market, and preferred style and the AI generates 10-20 name suggestions with brief rationales.
**Why share it:** Naming a company or product is notoriously difficult. This tool has high viral potential.
**Best model:** GPT-4 for creative name generation with cultural awareness.
### 10. Meal Planner
*Difficulty: Intermediate · Build time: ~15 minutes*
Create an app where users enter their dietary preferences, available ingredients, and how many meals they need. The AI generates a complete meal plan with recipes, grocery lists, and estimated prep times.
**Why share it:** Food content is universally popular. A personalized meal planner that accounts for dietary restrictions is genuinely useful.
**Best model:** Gemini or Claude for structured output with nutritional awareness.
### From Idea to Public App in 5 Minutes
Every one of these apps follows the same path to going live:
1. Describe the app to a bot in Poe and let it generate the initial Canvas code
2. Iterate with natural language — tell the bot what to change until you're satisfied
3. [Export the HTML](https://apptopub.com/guides/export-poe-canvas-html) from the Canvas editor
4. [Convert it with AppToPub](https://apptopub.com/guides/convert-poe-app-to-website) — paste the HTML and your [API key](https://apptopub.com/guides/get-poe-api-key)
5. [Share the public link](https://apptopub.com/guides/share-poe-canvas-app-without-account) — no Poe account required for your visitors
Feeling inspired? Head to the [beginner's guide to Poe Canvas](https://apptopub.com/guides/what-is-poe-canvas) to understand the platform, then come back here and pick the idea that excites you most. Your first public AI app is 5 minutes away.