Learn
The following Scripture App Builder documents can be downloaded as PDF files. You are free to print them for personal use and training workshops.
1. Installation Instructions –
For both Windows and Linux: how to download and install each of the three components needed for Scripture App Builder: the Java Development Kit (JDK), the Android Software Development Kit (SDK) and Scripture App Builder itself. To install SAB on a Mac, please see ‘3. Installing and Building Apps on a Mac’ below.
2. Building Apps –
Takes you through the steps of building your first app, answers frequently asked questions, and gives you more details about font handling, audio, analytics, EPUB documents, song books, picture books and non-Scripture app building.
3. Installing and Building Apps on a Mac –
How to install Scripture App Builder on a Mac, create certificates and provisioning profiles, and build both Android and iOS apps.
4. App Publishing Checklist –
A list of things to check in an app before publishing it widely, such as Paratext basic checks, icon design, keystore, Scripture reference links, copyright and licensing. There is also a French version of the checklist document.
5. Distributing Apps –
Describes different ways of distributing your apps, including publishing on the Google Play store, distributing by memory card, and transferring from phone to phone with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi transfer. Includes a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
6. Using Audacity for Audio-Text Synchronization –
Provides detailed instructions on how to create audio synchronization timing files using Audacity.
7. Using aeneas for Audio-Text Synchronization –
Provides detailed instructions on how to install and use aeneas to automate the synchronization of text and audio.
8. Using HearThis for Audio Recording –
Explains how to use the HearThis software to record Scripture audio to automatically create the MP3 and timing synchronization files needed by Scripture App Builder.
9. Running Workshops –
Tips on running Scripture App Builder training workshops.
10. App Store Optimization –
You have built a great app, but can people find it, and do they want to install it? When we talk about App Store Optimization (ASO), we focus on two things: discoverability and conversion.
Improving Discoverability is making it easier for users to find your app on the app store. Improving Conversion is increasing the likelihood of a user installing and trying out your app once they have found it.
11. Creating Apps with Quizzes –
Instructions on how to create multiple-choice quizzes. Questions and answers can be in words and/or images, with an audio recording for each. Sound effects for right and wrong answers can be specified. Explanations in text and audio can be given after a user taps on an answer. There is also a French version of this document.
12. Creating Slideshow Videos –
Instructions on how to create slideshow videos. These are videos created using a set of still images together with audio files from a Scripture App Builder project. While the audio plays, the images will pan and/or zoom. Subtitles will be generated from the text in the app.
Slideshow Video Templates
Sets of Bible slideshow video templates for use with Scripture App Builder’s ‘Create Slideshow Videos’ tool can be downloaded within the program, in Tools > Settings > Slideshows. Click the ‘Download Templates’ button.
Video Tutorials
Find a growing number of tutorial videos on the Language Technology Vimeo channel. They include step-by-step instructions on installing Scripture App Builder and accompanying software, building a Scripture App and previewing your app on your computer.
Development Kits
These software development kits are a necessary part of Scripture App Builder and will need to be installed in order to build the Android apps.
Java Development Kit – You need version 17 of the Java Development Kit (JDK). Use the Install JDK wizard within Scripture App Builder to download and install the JDK.
Android Software Development Kit – Use the Install Android SDK wizard within Scripture App Builder to download and install the Android SDK.
Audio Tools and Resources
HearThis – HearThis provides a do-it-yourself alternative for communities wanting to get translated scripture text into audio form. HearThis automatically finds your Paratext translations and walks you through recording, one phrase at a time. Not a great reader? Need to read it again? Just press on the record button and try again, until you get it right. HearThis can produce both the audio and timing files needed by Scripture App Builder.
Audacity – Audacity is a free and open source audio editor. Not only can it be used to edit the sound files for your app project, but it can be used to create the associated timing files that allow phrases and verses to be highlighted one-by-one as the user listens.
Bible Brain – Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) is making their recorded Bibles available via an API that is integrated into Scripture App Builder. You will need to request an API key from FCBH in order to use this feature.
Glyssen – Glyssen helps you to produce a dramatized audio recording of Scripture. It’s like having a production assistant, guiding you step by step. It identifies all the direct speech in the text and the biblical character who speaks each part. Then it walks you through the process of selecting a cast and assigning roles to the voice actors. Finally, it prepares a complete set of scripts to use in the recording process.
Other Links and Resources
USFM Documentation – Scripture App Builder uses files directly from Paratext so there is no extra conversion needed. That means that the Scripture files must adhere to the Universal Standard Format Markers (USFM) standard.
Android Asset Studio – Android Asset Studio provides an online tool, the Launcher Icon Generator, which can create a set of app icons for you from a single image file.
Digital Bible Library – The DBL serves as a repository of translated Scripture. These texts can be used with permission from DBL to create apps in Scripture App Builder.
Firebase – The apps you build with Scripture App Builder can be linked with a Firebase account for analytics, crash reporting and push notifications.
Dictionary App Builder – An app builder for dictionaries and lexicons.
Reading App Builder – An app builder for picture books, health and community development materials, song books, illustrated stories and libraries of easy-to-read books for new readers.
Keyboard App Builder – An app builder for keyboards.