Open source · Made for small screens

Small Android apps. Built to fit the hand.

Android Shop is a growing collection of free, open-source Android apps and developer tools. Each one is small, works one-handed and offline, and shares data without a server. Use them, learn from the code, or build your own with the same tools.

Browse projects Small-screen guide

Thumb Inventory, an Android Shop app, showing large item cards with Use and Add buttons and zone tabs at the bottom of the screen

Projects

Tools that make Android apps quick to build, and apps that show what a small, focused phone app can do. More are on the way.

$ python3 android_scaffold.py my-app --watch

Developer tool

android_scaffold

Kotlin files in. Android app out.

A single Python script that turns plain Kotlin and Jetpack Compose files into a running Android app. It generates the Gradle project and manifest, builds the APK, boots the emulator and live-reloads on every save.

Python
Command line
Live reload

Open project Quick start Download Source

Android app

Thumb Inventory

Count stock with one thumb.

A one-handed stock counter for shelves, fridges and stockrooms: big tap targets, swipe and long-press, haptics with undo, offline storage, and CSV sharing between phones with no server.

Android
Jetpack Compose
Offline-first

Open project Source

Coming soon

More projects on the way

New apps and tools are added regularly, all built for small screens, one-handed use and offline work.

Follow on GitHub

What every project has in common

Android Shop apps are built for the person standing up, holding a phone in one hand, with patchy signal and something else to do.

One-handed first

Main actions sit in the thumb zone, with big targets, gestures and undo instead of confirmation dialogs.

Works offline

Every change is saved on the device the moment it happens. No signal, no problem.

No backend, no accounts

Data moves through the share sheet, files and local Wi-Fi in plain formats like CSV. Nothing is locked in.

Small and readable code

Plain Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, short files and clear names, so each app is also a working example to learn from.

Built in minutes

Every app builds from its Kotlin files with android_scaffold: no Android Studio project to set up.

Free software

Everything is released under the GNU GPL, version 2 or later. Use it, study it, change it and share it.

Build for the device in your pocket

Every Android Shop app follows the same playbook. It's written up as a free guide for anyone building for phones and other portable devices.

Start hereDesigning for small screensThe principles behind apps that work in one hand, on the move. LayoutThe thumb zoneWhere thumbs reach, and why primary actions belong at the bottom. InputTouch targets and gestures48dp targets, swipe, long-press, and undo instead of "Are you sure?". FeedbackHaptics and feedbackConfirm every action without making people look at the screen. ReadingReadable text and contrastType that works at arm's length, in sunlight and at 200% font size. DataOffline-first field appsSave every change on the device and work anywhere without signal. ResilienceDesigning for interruptionsSurvive calls, rotation, app switches and low battery without losing work. SharingSharing without a backendShare sheet, Open with, file pickers and Wi-Fi between phones.

Official Android resources

android_scaffold gets you building fast. When you want to go deeper, these are the most useful sections of the official Android Developers documentation and Material Design.

Set up your tools

Learn Kotlin and Compose

Design for every screen

Build robust apps

Frequently asked questions

What is Android Shop?

Android Shop is a collection of free, open-source Android apps and developer tools, all designed for small screens, one-handed use and offline work. Current projects are android_scaffold, a tool that turns Kotlin files into a running app, and Thumb Inventory, a one-thumb stock counting app.

Are Android Shop apps free?

Yes. Every project is free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2 or later, with the full source code on GitHub.

Do the apps need an account or an internet connection?

No. Android Shop apps keep data on your phone and work fully offline. When you want to share data, they use Android's share menu, files and local Wi-Fi instead of a server.

How do I build and install an Android Shop app?

Each app is a folder of Kotlin files. Run python3 android_scaffold.py with that folder and --run, and android_scaffold generates the project, builds the APK and installs it on your emulator or phone.

Is Android Shop affiliated with Google?

No. Android Shop is an independent open-source project. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.