Dictionary App Builder helps you create customized dictionary apps for smartphones and tablets. You can choose your lexicon data file, customize the app name, fonts, colors, and icons, add audio and illustrations, and package everything together into an installable app. Dictionary App Builder allows you to package lexicon data, audio, illustrations, and other customizations into a fully functional dictionary app that can be shared via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, microSD cards, or app stores.

Creating a mobile dictionary app can significantly bridge linguistic barriers and help communities thrive by preserving and promoting their languages. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a mobile dictionary app using Dictionary App Builder, a tool developed by SIL, a global faith-based nonprofit organization committed to overcoming linguistic barriers and promoting community flourishing.

Installing Dictionary App Builder

Before you start, you need to install Dictionary App Builder and its dependencies: Java Development Kit (JDK) and Android Software Development Kit (SDK). The process differs slightly for Windows and Linux users.

Windows Installation

Step 1: Install Dictionary App Builder

1. Go to the Dictionary App Builder download page.
2. Download the latest setup program for Windows.
3. Run the setup program (Dictionary-App-Builder-x.x-Setup.exe) to install the software.

Step 2: Install Java Development Kit (JDK)

1. Using Install JDK Wizard:
   • Launch Dictionary App Builder.
   • Click the Install JDK button on the welcome page or select Tools > Install JDK.
   • Follow the wizard to download and install JDK 17.
2. Manual Installation from Azul Website:
   • Go to the Zulu JDK download page.
   • Download the .msi file.
   • Run the installer and follow the instructions.

Step 3: Install Android Software Development Kit (SDK)

1. Online Installation:
   • Launch Dictionary App Builder.
   • Click the Install Android SDK button on the welcome page or select Tools > Install Android SDK.
   • Follow the wizard to download and install the SDK packages.
2. Offline Installation:
   • Copy the Android SDK files from another computer with the SDK already installed.
   • Ensure you copy all necessary folders (cmdline-tools, build-tools, platforms, etc.) to a directory on your computer.

Linux Installation

Step 1: Add SIL Repository for Ubuntu

1. Open a Terminal window.
2. Add the repository security key:

   (wget -O- <https://packages.sil.org/keys/pso-keyring-2016.gpg> | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/pso-keyring-2016.gpg)&>/dev/null
   

3. Add the source:

   (. /etc/os-release && sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/packages-sil-org.list >/dev/null <<< "deb <http://packages.sil.org/$ID> $VERSION_CODENAME main")
   

Step 2: Install Packages

1. Update the package list:

   sudo apt-get update
   
   

2. Install Dictionary App Builder and its dependencies:

   sudo apt-get install -y dictionary-app-builder android-sdk-installer
   
   

Building Your First App

Once you have installed the necessary software, you can start building your app.

Step 1: Prepare Content

• Lexicon File: Export your data from FLEx, WeSay, or Lexique Pro in LIFT or XHTML format.
• Images: Use JPEG or PNG format. Resize them for optimal display on mobile devices.
• Audio: Use MP3, WAV, or 3GP formats. Ensure files are small enough for good quality on phones.

Step 2: Create the App

1. Launch Dictionary App Builder.
2. Click New App on the toolbar and follow the wizard:
   • Lexicon Database: Browse and select your lexicon file.
   • Lexicon Details: Review the entries and languages found in the lexicon.
   • Reversal Indexes: (If using XHTML) Add reversal index files.
   • App Name: Enter a user-friendly name for the app.
   • Package Name: Follow the format org.sil.cccc.nnnn.lexicon.
   • Indexes, Font Handling, Fonts, Color Scheme, Icon, Signing: Customize these settings as required.

Step 3: Build and Install the App

1. Click the Build Android App button.
2. Once the build completes, an APK file will be generated.
3. Transfer the APK file to your phone using a USB data cable.
4. Ensure Developer Options > USB Debugging is enabled on your phone.
5. Click the Install APK button in Dictionary App Builder to install and launch the app on your phone.

4. Distributing Your App

Online Methods

• Google Play: Publish the app for wide accessibility. Google Play Console.
• Websites/Cloud Storage: Share the APK file via your website, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

Offline Methods

• Memory Cards: Copy the APK onto microSD cards for distribution.
• Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Transfer: Share the app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi transfer apps like Xender or SHAREit.

By using Dictionary App Builder, you can create and distribute dictionary apps efficiently, helping to preserve languages and support community development. Enjoy building your app and empowering your community through language!

For detailed information and further assistance, please refer to the Dictionary App Builder Documentation.