Learn how to export your Library as an Android app with Kotobee Author, how to register a Google Play Developer account, how to create your app within Google Play and finally how to test your new app.

If you'd like to enable offline access for your users, you need to do so before your libraries are exported.


If you haven't already, first read how to Export Your Library as a Mobile App, for general instructions on creating any mobile app with Kotobee, and Set Up Your App Information, for instructions to help you enter your app's general information. Then return here for specific instructions on creating and adding apps to the Google Play Store.


When you click Enable, the required information for Android apps will appear and the Required Mobile Credits in the lower header will be calculated for you.



 

  • Create random keystore Here you can auto-generate a random keystore file, and auto-fill the rest of the fields with the appropriate alias and password.
  • Keystore file All apps must be digitally signed with a certificate. While you can create a random keystore automatically through the Create random keystore button in the latest versions of Kotobee Author, you can still use your own keystore if you prefer. To do that, please refer to this link: create an Android keystore file.
  • Keystore alias Here you can add an identifier for your keystore. You can create whatever alias you'd like, just make sure it's easy to remember.
  • Keystore password Here you can add the keystore password if one exists. Please refer to this article for more on creating an Android keystore file.
  • Private key password Here you can add your key's password if one exists.  Please refer to this article for more on creating an Android keystore file.
  • Android Version Code Follow the Android version code guidelines while writing your Android version code here. It should be an integer (decimals are strictly forbidden and will result in an error).

Registration

To upload your Mobile app onto the Play store, you need a Google Play Developer Account, click here to register an account.



Creating your app

Here we'll take you step by step through the application creation process.

  1. Log into the Google Play Console.
  2. Click on the CREATE APPLICATION button located at the top right corner.
  3. Enter the details for the app in the dialog box that will appear, such as your Default language and app Title.


You will be taken to the Store Listing page where you will enter all the information regarding your app. Google does an excellent job in providing guidelines that explain the various fields and requirements. 

Uploading your app release

  1. Selecting your app from the All applications list.
  2. Click on the App releases button in the left menu.
  3. Click on the MANAGE button under Production track. 
    This track will upload the app directly to the store. If you'd like to test the app first, you will need to use the Alpha or Beta tracks found under the Production track.
  4. Click on the CREATE RELEASE button.
  5. Click on CONTINUE in the App signing by Google Play dialog box. 
    In the next step, you will be shown a Terms of Service page that you will need to accept.
  6. Select the APK file you had exported from Kotobee Author under the Android App Bundles and APKs to add box.
  7. Enter a name for this release (e.g. First Launch). 
    You may optionally enter release notes under the What's new in this release? box. This is particularly useful when you are uploading updates to apps.
  8. Click on the REVIEW button at the bottom of the page once you're done.In the next page, you will find the START ROLLOUT TO PRODUCTION button is dimmed. In order to activate it and release your app to the world, you will need to go through the sections Store listing, Content rating, and Price & distribution and fill in the mandatory fields in each of those sections. Whenever you complete any of those sections, the check icon appearing next to its menu item will turn green.
  9. Go back to the app page once you're done, and click on the START ROLLOUT TO PRODUCTION button. 


Now your app will appear in the app store. If you need to adjust any information for the app's page on the store, click on the Store listing button under Store presence in the left menu. Make sure to pay attention to the Feature image and the Screenshots.


Testing your Android app

If you would like to test your Android app,

  1. Go to the App releases page.
  2. Click on the MANAGE button under Production track.
  3. Choose the MANAGE for the Beta or Alpha tracks. 

This will allow you to upload your app and select particular devices/users in order to test the app, and then you can move the app up to production to make it public for all users.