The way we build apps has changed dramatically in recent years. Thanks to the no-code movement, it’s now possible for just about anyone to design and launch powerful digital tools—without writing a single line of code. Entrepreneurs, educators, and business teams are all turning to intuitive platforms to develop everything from customer-facing products to internal systems and AI-powered workflows.

One standout in the no-code ecosystem is Softr, a platform that lets you convert your data into a fully functional web app with ease. Whether you’re creating a client portal, a directory, or an AI app prototype, it’s a compelling choice for anyone looking to launch quickly and efficiently.

In this 2025 beginner’s guide, we’ll explore what makes this platform special, the types of apps you can create with it, and how to get started on your app building journey without any technical background.

What is Softr?

How does Softr work

To understand how Softr works, imagine dragging and dropping pre-built blocks onto a canvas while linking them to live data from tools like Airtable or Baserow. The platform then generates a responsive app interface based on your content and logic—all without touching code.

Turning Data into Functional Applications

This visual development platform allows you to build web applications from data stored in tools like Airtable or Baserow. Designed for speed and simplicity, it’s ideal for those who want to focus on their idea, design the interface, and bring a project to life—without hiring a development team.

By using a drag-and-drop system and prebuilt templates, you can create visually impressive results in record time. Often used to build:

• Client portals for service-based businesses
• Internal tools for team workflows
• Marketplaces and directories powered by dynamic content
• AI-driven dashboards, when integrated with external APIs

This kind of app builder removes much of the friction traditionally associated with development and makes launching digital products far more accessible.

Is It Free to Use?

A generous free plan is available, which makes the platform highly attractive for early-stage creators. With it, you can test out core features, launch a project, and see real-world results—all without spending a dime.

However, like most freemium products, more advanced capabilities—such as user authentication, data access permissions, and custom domains—are available in paid plans. For those building serious tools for their business or clients, upgrading unlocks the full potential.

This pricing model also means you can begin your app building journey without risk, scaling up only when you’re ready.

👉 Read more on low code-no code platforms

What is Softr Used For?

If you’re wondering what Softr is used for, the answer lies in its flexibility to build everything from internal tools and client portals to MVPs and AI-powered apps.

The beauty of a no-code platform like this lies in its versatility. With a few hours of experimentation, users can build anything from a team dashboard to a public-facing job board. A significant advantage exists here: the learning curve is minimal.

You don’t need to be a developer or designer to get going. Simply choose a template or start from scratch using a selection of “blocks” (components like lists, cards, forms, and charts). With these tools, even non-technical users can build and iterate quickly—something traditionally only available to experienced coders.

Compared to complex tools like Bubble or Webflow, this platform keeps the setup simple. A great fit for:

• Freelancers building client dashboards
• Small businesses launching internal apps
• Educators creating digital resources
• Startups prototyping their first product
• Anyone building an AI app interface powered by third-party tools

A Closer Look at Use Cases

Take, for example, the process of building a client portal for a design agency. With just a few clicks, you can set up pages where clients can log in, view project timelines, provide feedback, and even submit content. You don’t have to handle the complex logic of user permissions—just configure it visually.

Or perhaps you’re an AI enthusiast creating a front-end for a chatbot. You could connect your app to an OpenAI API via automation tools, plug in your backend data from Baserow, and then present the results through a clean, responsive interface.

In both examples, the visual builder handles the UI, while the power of your data and logic comes from external sources.

Softr vs Baserow: The Frontend and Backend Duo

Understanding the Stack

To get the most out of any no-code platform, you need to understand its role in the broader architecture. In this case, Softr is your frontend app builder, while Baserow is an ideal backend, able to connect via an API—handling your database, data structure, and automation logic.

While this platform presents the interface, Baserow stores and organizes the actual data. Think of Baserow as the engine behind the scenes: it powers your app with records, relationships, filters, and calculated fields.

When used together:

• Softr (frontend): Controls what users see and interact with
• Baserow (backend): Manages the logic and content beneath the surface

This combination is perfect for building apps that not only look professional but also scale efficiently with your needs.

Baserow: A Flexible Backend or All-in-One No-Code Solution

While Softr serves as a frontend-only app builder, focused on visually displaying and interacting with external data, Baserow has evolved into a powerful platform that supports both backend data management and frontend interface building.

Traditionally recognized for its structured database capabilities, Baserow now includes an Application Builder, enabling users to design user interfaces, manage workflows, and handle data—all within one unified environment. This makes Baserow a great option for teams looking to consolidate their tools and build complete web applications like internal tools, dashboards, or client portals without switching between multiple platforms.

For users who already rely on frontend builders like Softr, Baserow can still serve as a flexible backend—providing a reliable, scalable, and open-source alternative to platforms like Airtable. At the same time, for those who prefer an all-in-one solution, Baserow offers everything needed to go from idea to deployment within a single ecosystem.

Get detailed overview of Baserow’s Application Builder

When Should You Use Each?

Use the visual builder when your focus is on user experience, quick deployment, and ease of use. Use Baserow when your app requires structured data, complex relationships, or robust user-level control.

For example:

• A real estate portal might use Softr to display listings and agent profiles
• Baserow would store all property data, user records, and activity logs

By connecting both tools, you’re essentially mimicking the frontend-backend model that powers most professional software—without the technical headaches.

In case you want an all-in-one platform, since Baserow now offers both data management and frontend capabilities through its Application Builder—allowing you to build complete tools without needing a second platform.

Baserow also shines when your app outgrows its initial prototype. Open-source, customizable, and offering more control than Airtable, this solution is especially beneficial for teams concerned with privacy, scaling, or integration depth.

👉 Know more on Baserow vs Airtable

Pros and Cons of This App Building Platform

Why It Stands Out

Platforms like Softr redefine what’s possible for non-technical creators. Their biggest strength is simplicity. Whether you’re spinning up a landing page or creating a dynamic client portal, the process is intuitive.

Key advantages:

• Speed to market: Launch a working version of your app in hours
• User authentication: Create private portals or gated content
• Templates & blocks: Ready-to-use layouts make design effortless
• Database integration: Easily link data from tools like Airtable or Baserow
• Visual configuration: Handle logic like filters, search, and sorting without code

These strengths make it appealing for a wide range of users—from coaches managing clients to founders prototyping a new AI app interface.

By combining it with a powerful backend like Baserow, users can scale beyond basic app building and into more complex operations without starting from scratch.

What to Watch Out For

No tool is without limitations. While the platform offers plenty out of the box, some users may eventually bump into boundaries as they try to scale or customize.

Potential drawbacks:

• Limited design freedom: You can’t fine-tune styling the way you might in Webflow
• Basic logic only: Complex conditional flows or deep automation need external tools
• Data dependency: You must connect an external database to power your app

For those looking to build a SaaS product or something requiring custom user logic, these factors can be limiting. Fortunately, connecting a robust backend system like Baserow mitigates many of these challenges.

Baserow, for instance, supports relational data, advanced filters, user roles, and even self-hosting—all without code. That means you’re building on a more future-proof foundation.

How Steep is the Learning Curve?

Designed for Non-Developers

One of the platform’s key differentiators is how friendly it is to first-time builders. The learning curve is shallow, thanks to visual tools, guided tutorials, and pre-configured components.

You don’t need to understand databases or app logic to get started. Just select a template, connect a data source, and drag blocks into place. That’s it.

This ease-of-use makes it an excellent entry point into the no-code world. Users can build a working web application faster than with most other platforms in the same category.

How It Compares to Other App Builders

Let’s briefly compare this tool with other app builders on the market:

• Bubble: Exceptionally powerful but very complex. Better for experienced users or developers.
• Webflow: Offers pixel-perfect design control but lacks true app logic unless extended with tools like Memberstack.
• Glide: Focuses on mobile-first interfaces, built off spreadsheets. Simple, but limited in flexibility.
• Baserow: Originally known as a no-code database, Baserow now includes a visual Application Builder, offering both backend data management and frontend UI design. It’s a great choice for users looking for an all-in-one, open-source alternative to traditional no-code stacks.

By contrast, this platform strikes a balance between power and simplicity. Not as flexible as Bubble, but 10x easier to use. And when paired with Baserow for backend logic and data storage, it offers a well-rounded solution for many real-world use cases.

👉 How to manage user access to Softr in Baserow

Building with Baserow as Your Frontend and Backend

A Powerful Combo for Long-Term Projects

So, where does Baserow fit in? While the frontend tool handles design and user interface, Baserow functions as the engine behind your app—structuring data, automating processes, and managing permissions.

Baserow now also includes a visual Application Builder, enabling users to manage data and design user-facing components in one place. This means you can build full-featured apps directly within Baserow, eliminating the need for a separate frontend tool in many cases.

It’s an open-source no-code database, meaning it offers full transparency and control. For those concerned about vendor lock-in or platform limits, Baserow is a more customizable alternative to Airtable.

This makes it the perfect companion to your app builder—especially for users planning to scale, iterate, and grow beyond a basic MVP.

How to Get Started with the Duo

Ready to try building your first softr app powered by a real backend? Here’s how to get going:

1. Create a Baserow account at baserow.io and set up your database structure—users, products, projects, or whatever fits your idea.
2. Fill in your data with real or test content. Baserow lets you import from spreadsheets and configure field types easily.
3. Connect your frontend tool to Baserow via API. You’ll authenticate, select your tables, and start visualizing the data.
4. Customize your interface using visual blocks—filters, tables, charts, or forms—and define access rules for different user types.
5. Launch your app, share it, and begin iterating based on feedback.

This approach ensures that your frontend remains clean and simple, while your backend grows with your needs.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tool for You?

If you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or product manager looking to launch quickly, the combination of a no-code frontend builder and Baserow as your backend is incredibly powerful.

From AI app prototypes to sleek client portals, the platform simplifies app creation to its core essentials. You don’t need to be technical to deliver polished results, and with Baserow, you’re not limited by where your data lives or how it works.

For those who want the freedom to customize, iterate, and grow—without being tied to a rigid system—this combo offers an ideal balance of ease and power.

Ready to Try It?

Supercharge your no-code journey by pairing your visual app builder with a flexible backend like Baserow.

👉 Sign up for free at Baserow and start building smarter today.

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