> Source: https://meetrix.io/blogs/appsmith-developer-guide/
> Markdown copy of that page. Cite the URL above, not this file.

Development

# Appsmith - Developer Guide

[By Binuka Ranatunga](https://meetrix.io/blogs/authors/binuka-ranatunga/) • August 11, 2025 • 3 min read

Appsmith is an open-source low-code platform designed for building internal tools, admin panels, dashboards, and workflows. With Appsmith, you can rapidly create full-featured apps by connecting to APIs, databases, and third-party services all with minimal coding. It provides a drag-and-drop UI builder, pre-built widgets, and easy integration with REST APIs, GraphQL, and SQL queries. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you seamlessly integrate Appsmith into your development projects.

## Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Before you get started with the Appsmith AMI, ensure you have the following prerequisites:

-   Basic knowledge of AWS services, including EC2 instances and CloudFormation.
-   An active AWS account with appropriate permissions.
-   Enough vCPU limit to create instance. (Follow [this guide](https://meetrix.io/blogs/increase-aws-vcpu-quota/) to ensure this)

## Launching the AMI

### Step 1: Find and Select 'Appsmith' AMI

1.  Log in to your AWS Management Console.
2.  Navigate to the ['Appsmith'](https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-no6au4rfwd3f4) product in AWS Marketplace.

### Step 2: Initial Setup & Configuration

1.  Click the **"Continue to Subscribe"** button.
2.  After subscribing, you will need to accept the terms and conditions. Click on **"Accept Terms"** to proceed.
3.  Please wait for a few minutes while the processing takes place. Once it's completed, click on **"Continue to Configuration"**.
4.  Select the **"CloudFormation script to deploy appsmith"** as the fulfilment option and choose your preferred region on the "Configure this software" page. Afterward, click the **"Continue to Launch"** button.
5.  From the "Choose Action" dropdown menu in the "Launch this software" page, select **"Launch CloudFormation"** and click the **"Launch"** button.

## Create CloudFormation Stack

### Step 1: Create Stack

1.  Ensure the **"Template is ready"** radio button is selected under "Prepare template".
2.  Click "Next".

### Step 2: Specify Stack Options

| Parameter | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Stack name | Provide a unique name for your CloudFormation stack. |
| DeploymentName | Enter a name of your choice. |
| DomainName | Provide a public domain name. The custom domain is configured through the Admin Settings Custom Domain section in the Appsmith UI. |
| InstanceType | Choose an instance type. Recommended: `t3.large`. |
| KeyName | Select your preferred key pair. |
| SSHLocation | Set as `0.0.0.0/0`. |
| SubnetCidrBlock | Keep as `10.0.0.0/24`. |
| VpcCidrBlock | Keep as `10.0.0.0/16`. |

Click "Next".

### Step 3: Configure Stack Options

1.  Choose "Roll back all stack resources" and "Delete all newly created resources" under the "Stack failure options" section.
2.  Click "Next".

### Step 4: Review

1.  Review and verify the details you've entered.

![Appsmith CloudFormation stack review](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-01.png)

2.  Tick the box that says, **"I acknowledge that AWS CloudFormation might create IAM resources with custom names"**.

![Appsmith CloudFormation IAM acknowledgment](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-02.png)

3.  Click **"Submit"**.

Afterward, you'll be directed to the CloudFormation stacks page.

Please wait for 5-10 minutes until the stack has been successfully created.

![Appsmith CloudFormation stack created successfully](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-03.png)

## Update DNS

### Step 1: Copy IP Address

Copy the public IP labeled **"PublicIp"** in the **"Outputs"** tab.

![Appsmith CloudFormation outputs - Public IP](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-04.png)

### Step 2: Update DNS

1.  Go to AWS Route 53 and navigate to "Hosted Zones".
2.  From there, click on **Create record**.
3.  Add the **record name** and then paste the copied **"PublicIp"** into the **"value"** textbox.
![AWS Route 53 create DNS record for Appsmith](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-05.png)5.  Click "Save".

## Access Appsmith

You can setup the Appsmith application through the "DashboardUrlIp" provided in the "Outputs" tab. This will allow you to create an Admin account and all the future accounts will be created through the Admin panel.

![Appsmith dashboard URL in CloudFormation outputs](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-06.png)

502 Bad Gateway Error?

If you encounter a "502 Bad Gateway" error, please wait for about 5 minutes before refreshing the page. ![502 Bad Gateway error while Appsmith is starting](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-07.png)

Please wait until Appsmith is ready. This may take a few minutes.

![Appsmith login and account setup page](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-08.png)

## Generate SSL Manually

After the initial setup, the custom domain is configured through the Admin Settings Custom Domain section in the Appsmith UI.

**Settings > Instance Settings > Custom Domain**

![Appsmith custom domain settings](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-09.png)

Click **"Save and Restart"**.

![Appsmith save and restart for custom domain](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-10.png)

Appsmith is now accessible via the domain.

![Appsmith accessible via custom domain](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-11.png)

## Shutting Down Appsmith

1.  Click the link labeled **"Instance"** in the **"Resources"** tab to access the EC2 instance, you will be directed to the Appsmith instance in EC2.
![CloudFormation resources tab - EC2 instance link](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-12.png)3.  Select the Appsmith instance by marking the checkbox and click **"Stop instance"** from the **"Instance state"** dropdown. You can restart the instance at your convenience by selecting **"Start instance"**.
![EC2 stop instance dropdown for Appsmith](https://meetrix.io/blog-images/paas-dev-guides/appsmith/appsmith-13.png)

## Remove Appsmith

Delete the stack that has been created in the AWS Management Console under 'CloudFormation Stacks' by clicking the 'Delete' button.

## Conclusion

The Meetrix Appsmith Developer Guide is your ultimate resource for seamlessly integrating Appsmith into your projects. Whether you're an experienced developer or new to internal tool building, the guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for a smooth setup process. Appsmith is powerful and intuitive for creating custom internal applications, connecting to APIs, and integrating with databases without heavy coding overhead. With this guide, you'll be able to build modern, dynamic web applications and dashboards with confidence.

## Technical Support

Reach out to Meetrix Support at [aws@meetrix.io](mailto:aws@meetrix.io) for assistance with Appsmith issues.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the official Appsmith version?

Yes. This AMI includes the latest open-source release of Appsmith, maintained by the community and backed by Meetrix deployment support.

Can I scale the Appsmith instance?

Yes. You can resize the instance at any time or configure load balancing and multi-instance deployments.

Does it support external integrations like REST and GraphQL APIs?

Absolutely. Appsmith is built to connect with any REST API, GraphQL service, and major databases.

Is Meetrix support included?

Yes. You get technical assistance for launch, setup, and configuration. Optional consulting is also available.

## Ready to Launch Your Own Appsmith Instance?

Get started in minutes with our pre-configured AMI and take full control of your internal tools.

[Deploy Appsmith from AWS Marketplace](https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-no6au4rfwd3f4)

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Appsmith

Internal tools, a Retool alternative

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