---
description: >-
  Learn how to run your local dev app in a real Deskpro helpdesk. This lets you
  preview your app in a real-world environment, while still developing it
  locally with tools like hot reloading.
---

# Running in dev preview (real helpdesk)

While developing your app, you may find you want or need to use resources from a real-live helpdesk. You can run any Deskpro instance is "app dev mode" which will make the helpdesk run your app but it's still served from your localhost. So you get the best of both worlds: A real-life instance running your app in dev mode with all the goodies that entails (hot reloading, enhanced error messages, etc).

## Running your app in Deskpro

### Build your app

The first step is to build your app to get a `app.zip` like you would as if you were building for production.

```bash
> yarn build
...
Creating an optimized production build
...
Compiled successfully
...
build/app.zip ready with 1141644 total bytes
```

Don't worry, your app doesn't need to do anything or be anywhere near done. We just need the app.zip from `build/app.zip`so we can install it in the next step.

### Start dev server

Next, start your dev server like you would normally:

```bash
> yarn start
```

### Upload your app

Install your `build/app.zip` file from Admin > Apps > Upload App. After your screen refreshes, go back to the app from Admin > Apps > Your App. In the top right, click the "Dev Mode" button.

![](https://3026864744-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LMb2ucgP2GhTuRDyzlH%2F-LMlNUZ2tbB4uzRfMthp%2F-LMlTSXbiHujkaBLBNq7%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=3508c85a-9b51-4ed3-8f8b-22b4ef9a0d5f)

This will open a new browser window with a special URL that enables dev mode on the app.&#x20;

### Continue developing your app

Now navigate within the interface to where your app target is. For example, if your app is a ticket app, open a ticket. You'll see your app here. The important part is that your app is running off of your localhost so any changes you make are made live.

![](https://3026864744-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LMb2ucgP2GhTuRDyzlH%2F-LMlUDJaJ3AgofVFIUvn%2F-LMlUp6fPxKx_d-5Eppu%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=ffa446ed-3dd7-4561-8bf4-df9decc59b96)
