Reading App Builder (RAB) is a versatile tool that allows you to create customized reading apps for Android. These apps can include text, audio, images, and interactive features such as quizzes. This guide will help you understand how to use Reading App Builder to create your own reading apps with ease, even if you don’t have programming skills.

Reading App Builder is especially beneficial for local language communities. It allows you to produce apps that can teach, inform, and entertain, supporting SIL’s mission to help people thrive using their most valued languages. This guide will walk you through the key steps necessary to create your customized reading app.

How to Create Customized Reading Apps

1. Installation of Reading App Builder

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Download Reading App Builder:
   • Go to the Reading App Builder download page and download the setup program for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
2. Install Reading App Builder:
   • Windows Users:
     • Run the downloaded setup program (e.g., Reading-App-Builder-x.x-Setup.exe).
     • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
   • Mac Users:
     • Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the Reading App Builder icon to your Applications folder.
   • Linux Users:
     • Follow the detailed instructions provided in the Linux installation section of the PDF documentation.
3. Install Java Development Kit (JDK):
   • Use the Install JDK wizard within Reading App Builder or download and install from the Azul website. Ensure you are using JDK version 17.
4. Install Android Software Development Kit (SDK):
   • Use the Install Android SDK wizard within Reading App Builder for the installation.
5. Install Aeneas (Optional, for Audio-Text Synchronization):
   • Go to the Reading App Builder download page and download the aeneas setup program for your operating system.

For more detailed steps, refer to the Installation Instructions PDF.

2. Creating Your First App Using the New App Wizard

1. Launch Reading App Builder:
   • Open the program from your desktop or applications folder.
2. Start a New Project:
   • Click New App on the toolbar. This launches the New App wizard.
3. Basic App Information:
   • App Name: Enter a title such as “Community Stories”.
   • Package Name: Enter a unique identifier like org.community.stories.
   • Click Next.
4. Add Content:
   • Books: Select the books or files you want to include.
   • Audio: If applicable, add corresponding audio files for text synchronization.
   • Click Next.
5. Customize Appearance:
   • Fonts: Choose fonts compatible with your text.
   • Color Scheme: Select colors for different UI elements.
   • Icons and Splash Screens: Upload images to personalize the app’s appearance.
   • Click Next.
6. Localize the Interface:
   • Choose interface languages and customize the UI text.
   • Click Next.
7. Finalize and Build:
   • Keystore: Set up a keystore for app signing (required for Android apps).
   • Review Settings: Ensure all configurations are correct.
   • Click Build Android App to create the APK file.

3. Adding Advanced Features

Audio Synchronization

1. Prepare Audio Files:
   • Ensure you have audio files (MP3 format) ready for each chapter or section.
2. Create Timing Files:
   • Use the Audio Synchronization wizard in Reading App Builder or tools like Audacity and aeneas to create timing files.
   • Refer to the guide Using aeneas for Audio-Text Synchronization for detailed instructions.
3. Link Audio to Text:
   • On the Audio Files tab, upload the timing files corresponding to each audio file.

Interactive Quizzes

1. Create Quiz Files:
   • Write quiz questions in a text file using simple codes:

     \\\\id QUIZ_1
     \\\\quiz
     \\\\qn History Quiz
     \\\\qs History
     \\\\qu Who was the first president of the USA?
     \\\\ar George Washington
     \\\\aw Abraham Lincoln
     \\\\aw Thomas Jefferson
     \\\\aw John Adams
     
     

2. Add Quizzes to the App:
   • On the Books tab, click Add Book and select your quiz files.
3. Customize Quiz Settings:
   • Add images or audio to questions and answers as needed.

4. Testing and Distributing Your App

Testing the App

1. Install APK on a Device:
   • Connect your Android device to your computer via USB.
   • Transfer the APK file to the device and install it.
2. Test All Features:
   • Verify text and audio synchronization, quiz functionality, and overall navigation.

Distributing Your App

1. Offline Distribution:
   • Share the APK file via Bluetooth, microSD cards, or Wi-Fi transfer apps such as SHAREit or Xender.
2. Online Distribution:
   • Publish your app on the Google Play Store.
   • Follow the detailed App Publishing Checklist to ensure your app is ready for distribution.
3. Promote Your App:
   • Use social media platforms to reach your audience.
   • Consider creating a website or blog to provide updates and support.

By following these steps, you can create and distribute customized reading apps that support literacy and language development within your community. Reading App Builder simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on creating meaningful content that engages and educates users.