Unify lets you extend your app experience with Custom Components. This guide walks you through building a Component using the Block CLI.
Step-by-Step: Build Your First Component
Step 1: Initialize a New Component
Start by scaffolding a new Component using the CLI. This creates a ready-to-edit project with a sample React component.
pnpx @unifyapps/block-cli init <ComponentName>
This creates a folder <ComponentName>/
with:
package.json
– project metadatamanifest.json
– config for Unifysrc/index.jsx
– the main React componentsrc/style.css
– component styles
Navigate into the component directory:
cd <ComponentName>
Example manifest format generated after initialization:
{
"name": "SuperButton",
"type": "SuperButton",
"entry": "./src/index.jsx",
"keywords": "SuperButton",
"style": "./src/style.css",
"icon": "https://assets.unifyapps.com/user-uploads/theme/unify.svg"
}
keywords – used for block search in the block picker
icon – URL of the icon to display in the block picker (optional)
You can add icon and modify the keywords before using the manifest in Unify.
Step 2: Run in Development Mode
To preview your Component locally while you build:
pnpx @unifyapps/block-cli dev
Once started, the CLI hosts the manifest at a local URL like:
http://localhost:5001/super-button.json
You’ll use this in the next step.
Step 3: Add the Component in Unify
To make your component available inside Unify:
Go to Custom Components Manager
Click
Add Component
and fill in:Component Name
– e.g., SuperButtonDeployment Mode
– Select development mode for testingManifest URL
– The local URL from dev mode
On Clicking Add
, Your Component will be added in the Application Builder block picker
.
Step 4: Instant Reload
While running in dev
mode, any changes to your React component are instantly reflected. Just refresh the Application Builder to see updates.
Step 5 : Build for Production
After finalizing and testing your component, generate a production-ready build to prepare it for deployment :
pnpx @unifyapps/block-cli build
This creates a <ComponentName>.zip
containing:
Compiled assets
A production out.json manifest
Step 6: Adding Component to Production
Open the Component Detail
panel and click the three-dot menu next to the manifest URL .
From the dropdown, select
Move to Production
to promote the version.Upload the zip file
Your Component is now live and ready to use across your Unify interfaces.
Step 7 : Removing a Component
To remove a Component from your app:
Go back to the
Custom Component
page.Delete the corresponding Component you want to remove.
You’re All Set!
With these steps, you can build, test, and ship custom Components in Unify with full flexibility. Components empower your team to reuse UI logic and deliver richer, more tailored app experiences.