Documentation / App Store getting started guide

App Store getting started guide

Welcome to the Autodesk App Store publishing experience. Whether you're a cloud or desktop developer, new or returning, this guide walks you through publishing your app, widget, add-on, or plugin.

You'll be prompted to create an account or sign in with your Autodesk account if not already signed in.

What you need to start

Desktop app

  1. Review Autodesk App Store product guidelines
  2. PayPal account and price (if charging)
  3. Publisher privacy policy
  4. APS Client ID (if your app is compatible with ACC and/or BIM 360 products)
  5. IPN Listener URL (optional)

Web app

  1. Review Autodesk App Store product guidelines
  2. PayPal account and price (if charging)
  3. Publisher privacy policy
  4. IPN Listener URL (optional)
  5. App ID (optional — if using the Autodesk Entitlement API)
  6. APS Client ID (if your app is compatible with ACC and/or BIM 360 products)

MCP server publishing

If your app exposes tools to AI assistants via the Model Context Protocol, you must submit two additional artifacts alongside your binary:

  • MCP Tool Manifest — a structured JSON file listing every MCP tool, resource, prompt, and external endpoint your plugin uses.
  • Publisher Declaration Form — signed security attestations covering data handling, user consent, and secrets management.

Steps and timing

1

Set up your account and profile

Create an account and profile, including company or individual information, permissions, and payment options. This is where you submit everything you need to become a publisher.

2

Enter and submit your app info

Provide basic information like your app's title, type (web-based or desktop-based), program (add-on, extension, plugin), OS, APS Client ID or cloud product URL, and assets (description, photos, video). Click submit and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

3

App review

The App Store team reviews your submission for suitability. We'll email you with feedback or next steps. If accepted, Autodesk creates the final package file for you to review.

4

Manage your app

After publishing, adjust your version, language, title, or assets. Use your personalized dashboard for insights.

Other resources

Autodesk Developer Network

Information to help you create or modify your apps to integrate with App Store requirements and technical guidelines.

Join Autodesk Developer Network →

App Store product guidelines

Learn how Autodesk evaluates your product for suitability to be carried in Autodesk App Store.

View product guidelines →

Payment setup

You need a PayPal account if you're selling products for a fee. You don't need one for trial and free products.

View PayPal setup guide →

IPN handler

Receive IPN notifications for free and trial apps. Learn how the App Store IPN Listener works and how to create one.

View IPN example →

Entitlement API (desktop app)

The Entitlement API exposes a REST-based endpoint to identify whether a user has an entitlement to use your app.

View documentation →

APS Client ID

Apps compatible with Forma and/or BIM 360 require an APS subscription and a developer hub. Create an app in your developer hub to get your Client ID.

Get started with APS →

Publisher privacy policy

Every app must include a link to its applicable privacy policy in the app description and within the app itself. The privacy policy must clearly:

  1. Identify the data collected, how it's collected, and all uses of that data.
  2. Confirm third parties will provide the same data protection as stated in the policy.
  3. Explain data retention and deletion policies.
  4. Describe how users can revoke consent or request data deletion.

Publisher FAQ

Answers to the most common questions asked by Autodesk App Store publishers.

View FAQ →

Apps Ideas Exchange

Find out what apps are requested by Autodesk users.

Visit Autodesk forums →

MCP publisher guide

If your app exposes tools to AI assistants using the Model Context Protocol (MCP), review the requirements, manifest format, and FAQ before submitting.

View MCP publisher guide →

Support

If you need more professional customization support, consider joining the Autodesk Developer Network.

Have questions after reviewing these guidelines? Want to submit an app for a product with no specific guidelines posted? Email appsubmissions@autodesk.com.