Resources for creating your own reading app

For your reading app to be successful, you need to create it in a way that makes it stand out from the rest. Not only will you need to include all the important features that the best apps have, but also add a few more novel ones. And don’t forget the interface, as the UI design must be flawless for an attractive and seamless user flow. 

The technical part of producing a reading app is up to you. With so many resources at your disposal, creating an app has never been easier. From no-code programs to detailed development with programming languages, now designers and developers of any level can produce reading apps – or apps to do anything – as long as they have the desire and a little creativity.

In this guide, we’ll share some resources for you to create your own reading app.

Take note so you can get started straight away!

What is a reading app?

A reading app is an app that facilitates the reading of books, magazines and other digital publications – everything except web pages. The main function of a reading app is to eliminate the need for paper, minimizing environmental impact and taking up much less space than a shelf of books – or a lot of weight in your bag.

One of the first reading apps was Amazon’s Kindle Reader. Since its introduction, many others have appeared, all with their own special features. Since a reading app has one primary function, that of allowing someone to read, there are some features that your app is also going to need. 

Here is a list:

• The ability to read a wide variety of digital publication formats.
• Ease of reading and page-by-page browsing.
• A title organization system that is simple to understand and easy to customize.
• Ability to change background color, font and other details.
• Adaptability to different screen sizes.
• A consistent visual identity and attractive interface.
• Other features include translation of content, connection to social networks and the possibility for authors to sell their own books within the app.

Below, discover the fundamental assets for creating your own app.

App design software and programs

To begin with, you will need a program to put together all the pieces of your reading app. These programs are separated into three categories: No-Code, Low-Code and Full-Code. 

No-Code and Low-Code

If you are a graphic designer and don’t know much about programming languages, you can use no-code software like Figma and Sketch. But then you will need help from a developer to correctly build the app as you designed it. Figma and Sketch are the benchmark programs for UI designers today. 

Other No-Code/Low-Code options that allow you to create apps from start to finish are Bubble, Flutter and Adalo. Some of these programs even offer to upload your app to Google Play and Apple App Store, completing the creation cycle. 

Freelance developers

Developers with knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, Java, Python, Ruby, etc., will be able to create a reading app easily. With just a UI design and a prototype, a developer will turn the design into a functional app. This alternative offers a lot of flexibility compared to No-Code programs.

If you are looking for a developer, you can use platforms such as Stack Overflow, GitHub, Toptal, and LinkedIn. 

Flaticon interface icons

Now let’s get down to the details. Your reading app needs a collection of icons as part of the UI design. Flaticon offers you over 5,100 SVG icons and web fonts, available for iOS, Android, and web.

All Flaticon UIcons are designed in a pixel-perfect grid, ready to add to your UI design. You will be able to customize the color of the icons according to your style guide, before downloading them.

If you use Figma, you can easily add the icons to your projects, thanks to the integration of UIcons in the platform. Just copy the ones you need and then paste them into your prototypes and libraries! You can choose from over 3,000 icons directly on Figma Community. 

If you prefer, you can also insert them into your CSS file via the Flaticon CDN, or download the complete icon pack in all available formats (SVG, CSS and source file).

Illustrated icons

Apart from interface icons, used for navigation within the app, you can also use illustrated icons to enrich the app design. For example, illustrative icons are great for buttons that are larger than menu buttons and have a bit more personality.

Flaticon offers icons in a variety of styles; linear, colored, gradient and 100% customizable. 

Decorative stickers

If you’re looking for a higher level of personality for your reading app, use Flaticon’s decorative stickers. In the collection, you will find designs that you can use as section headers, end-of-reading badges or profile avatars.

It’s not just reading apps for kids that deserve a little color. Why not add a bit of storytelling with some fun stickers in your app? Plus, they’ll help reinforce your visual identity and personality, while making navigation more fun. Find out how some of the most influential companies use stickers to serve these purposes.

Micro animations

Finally, the last asset on the list is micro animations. A reading app with micro animations can be more engaging than one without. Of course, the amount and intensity of micro animations depend on the target audience. 

Micro animated icons, for example, will look good in any app. But going further and animating illustrations and stickers is more appropriate for apps with a playful and fun style.

It’s your turn now

Time to create your own reading app! Find a way to make your app different, with better usability for the reader. Don’t forget the most important thing, simplicity of use for its primary function, reading. 

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing your finished app!