Adding an app
A quick guide on adding and managing apps.
Overview
Adding an app to ShiftControl makes it available for assignment to users and groups. Once added, the app appears in the App Management dashboard and can be shown in the employee portal. You can add apps from a catalog of 983+ pre-configured applications, or create custom apps for tools not in the catalog.
How It Works
ShiftControl provides two ways to add apps:
- From the App Catalog -- browse or search pre-configured apps. Each catalog entry shows which functionality it supports (Bookmark, SSO, JIT provisioning, User sync). You choose whether to add it as an SSO app or a Bookmark.
- Custom apps -- for apps not in the catalog. You can create a Custom SSO Integration (SAML/OIDC) or a Custom Bookmark with your own name, icon, and URL.
The catalog shows supported functionality badges for each app so you can see at a glance whether SSO, JIT provisioning, or user sync are available. Each app row has action buttons -- "Add bookmark" and/or "Add SSO app" -- depending on what that app supports.
Types of Apps
SSO Apps (SAML and OIDC)
SSO apps provide true single sign-on. Users authenticate through ShiftControl and are logged in to the app automatically -- no separate password required. This is the most secure option because you control the authentication flow, can enforce MFA, and can revoke access instantly.
Use SSO when: your app supports SAML or OIDC and your license tier includes SSO.
Bookmarks
Bookmarks are portal links. The app appears in the employee App Dashboard and users can click to open it, but they log in to the app separately. No authentication flows through ShiftControl.
Use Bookmarks when:
- The app doesn't support SSO.
- Your license tier doesn't include SSO yet.
- You want the app in the portal for discoverability while you plan the SSO rollout.
Bookmarks can be upgraded to SSO apps at any time without losing assignments.
Common Scenarios
Your app is in the catalog and supports SSO
Search the catalog, click "Add SSO app," configure the connection, assign groups, and save. Follow the app-specific SSO guide for detailed settings.
Your app is in the catalog but you're not ready for SSO
Search the catalog, click "Add bookmark." The app appears in the portal immediately. You can configure SSO later by editing the app.
Your app is not in the catalog
Click "+ Add Custom" and choose either "Custom SSO Integration" or "Custom Bookmark." You'll provide the app name, description, URL, and (for SSO) the SAML/OIDC configuration.
Adding an SSO App from the Catalog
Go to App Management
Log in to ShiftControl and navigate to App Management.
Click 'Add new app'
Click the Add new app button to open the App Catalog.
Search for the app
Enter the app name in the search bar. The catalog filters in real time.
Click 'Add SSO app'
Click the Add SSO app button next to the app name.
Configure general info
Set a recognizable name and add a description. The description is visible to employees in their App Dashboard.
Assign groups
Assign groups to control who gets access.
Assign individual users (optional)
Add individual users if needed.
Configure SSO settings (optional)
If you know your SSO settings, configure them now. Otherwise, skip this and follow the app-specific SSO guide later.
Save
Click Save to add the app.
Adding a Custom SSO Integration
Go to App Management
Log in to ShiftControl and navigate to App Management.
Click 'Add new app'
Click the Add new app button.
Click 'Add Custom'
Click + Add Custom and choose Custom SSO Integration.
Configure general info
Set the app name and description.
Assign groups
Assign groups to the app.
Assign individual users (optional)
Add individual users if needed.
Configure SSO settings
Enter the SAML or OIDC configuration for the app.
Save
Click Save to add the app.
Adding a Bookmark from the Catalog
Go to App Management
Log in to ShiftControl and navigate to App Management.
Click 'Add new app'
Click the Add new app button to open the App Catalog.
Search for the app
Enter the app name in the search bar.
Click 'Add Bookmark'
Click the Add Bookmark button next to the app name.
Configure general info
Set the app name, description, and bookmark URL.
Assign groups
Assign groups to the app.
Assign individual users (optional)
Add individual users if needed.
Save
Click Save to add the bookmark.
Adding a Custom Bookmark
Go to App Management
Log in to ShiftControl and navigate to App Management.
Click 'Add new app'
Click the Add new app button.
Click 'Add Custom'
Click + Add Custom and choose Custom Bookmark.
Configure general info
Set the app name, description, and bookmark URL.
Assign groups
Assign groups to the app.
Assign individual users (optional)
Add individual users if needed.
Save
Click Save to add the bookmark.
Things to Know
- The App Catalog contains 983+ pre-configured apps. If your app isn't listed, use the Custom option.
- Functionality badges in the catalog (Bookmark, SSO, JIT provisioning, User sync) tell you what the app supports before you add it. Not all features may be available on every license tier.
- A Bookmark can be upgraded to SSO later without recreating the app or losing group assignments.
- Group assignments are the recommended way to manage app access. Individual assignments work but don't scale well.
- SSO configuration details vary by app. Check the app-specific SSO guide for the correct settings.
Related Features
- App Management -- view and manage all installed apps.
- Editing an App -- modify app settings, subscriptions, and assignments after creation.
- App Discovery -- find apps your users are already using via OAuth.
- Groups -- create and manage the groups used for app assignments.