How to Create a New Lightning App in Salesforce?

Navigating records, dashboards, and features can be overwhelming. Lightning Apps simplify this by bringing everything together, making work faster and smarter. Lightning Apps in Salesforce allow customization of user interface, enhance navigation, and boost productivity. 

Best of all? You do not need to be a developer to create one! With the Salesforce Lightning App Builder, anyone can build their own custom app in a view-based user interface in just a few clicks. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step walkthrough to create a new Lightning App in Salesforce.

What is a Lightning App in Salesforce?

Lightning Apps in Salesforce are role-based customizable applications that provide better user experience through seamless access to records, reports, dashboards, and other Salesforce features. 

Lightning App Key Features:

• Custom Branding – You can put in a custom logo with a colour scheme personalized for the app. 
• Multiple Pages and Multiple Components – Applications are developed using the Salesforce Lightning App Builder based on functionalities and requirements. 
• Custom Navigation for Apps – The navigation control over what tabs and utilities appear in your app. 
• Lightning Experience & Mobile Supported – It works effortlessly on all devices. 

All these features assist organizations in optimizing their processes and enhancing team productivity through Lightning Apps.

How to create a New Lightning App in Salesforce?

Now that we know what a Lightning App in Salesforce is, let’s check out the helpful steps to create one using the Salesforce Lightning App Builder.

Step 1: Open App Manager

1. Log in to Salesforce and switch to Lightning Experience (if not already there).
2. Search in Quick find box.
3. Search for “App Manager” and open it.
4. Click “New Lightning App” to start building your app.

Step 2: Enter App Details

1. Type a unique App Name (e.g., “Sales Performance Hub”).
2. The Developer Name auto-fills based on your App Name.
3. Add a brief description explaining the purpose of the app.
4. Click Next to continue.

Step 3: Customize Branding (Optional but Recommended)

1. Upload an App Logo (recommended size: 128 x 128 pixels).
2. Choose an App Color to align with your company’s branding.
3. Click Next when you’re happy with the design.

Step 4: Choose Navigation Type

1. Select either:

• Standard Navigation – Best for most business users.
• Console Navigation – Ideal for customer service agents handling multiple records at once.

2. Click Next after selecting.

Step 5: Add Utility and App Items (Tabs & Features)

1. Choose the Utility items like Chatter, Send Email, etc, and tabs you want in your app (e.g., Accounts, Leads, Opportunities).

2. Click Next to proceed.

Step 6: Assign User Profiles

1. Select which user profiles(e.g., Sales, Support, Marketing) can access the app.
2. Click Save & Finish to complete the setup.

Tips for Creating Apps in Lightning Experience 

To ensure your Lightning App is easy to use and effective, follow these best practices:

 1. Keep the Layout Clean & Simple

• Show only the most relevant tabs to avoid clutter.
• Arrange components in a logical order for better usability.

 2. Use Salesforce Lightning App Builder Features

• Take advantage of pre-built components to save time.
• Use drag-and-drop functionality for quick customization.

 3. Optimize for Mobile Users

• Ensure the app layout adjusts well on different screen sizes.
• Test the app on both desktop and mobile devices.

4. Assign User Profiles Carefully

• Provide access only to relevant users to keep things organized.
• Set permissions based on roles to enhance security.

 5. Test & Gather Feedback

• Preview the app before rolling it out to users.
• Ask for feedback and make improvements if needed.

By following these tips, you can create a high-performing Lightning App that improves efficiency and enhances user experience.

Conclusion 

If you are working with Lightning Applications in Salesforce, it makes your work easy and efficient. Lightning App Builder is perfect even if you have no coding skills. Just a few clicks and your custom app is ready. 

A good app improves navigation with speed, easy access to tools, and higher productivity. Whether it is sales, service, or any other line of work, a Lightning App can do wonders. Build one today and see the difference for yourself!