Share an App with Someone Else
What “sharing” means in Spanner
In Spanner, you can share an App you’ve made so someone else can use it too. Depending on the App, sharing can mean one of two things:
- Share the App (the tool): You’re sharing the App itself—its screens, buttons, and how it works.
- Share the App + its data (the stuff inside): You’re sharing the tool and the list/items/entries you add to it, so you can both see the same information.
What gets shared
1) The App itself
When you share an App, you’re sharing the way it’s set up: what it’s called, what you can enter, and what actions it can do (for example, “Add item,” “Mark as bought,” or “Log today”).
2) The App’s data (when applicable)
Some Apps are most useful when everyone sees the same up-to-date information. In those cases, sharing includes the App’s data—like:
- a single shared list (groceries, to-dos, packing)
- a shared set of entries (household expenses, pet meds, chores)
- shared progress (a tracker you maintain together)
What the recipient needs
- Spanner installed on their device.
- A way to open the share link/invite (for example, from Messages, Mail, or another app).
- To sign in if Spanner prompts them—so the App can appear in their App Library.
Common sharing scenarios
Family grocery list (everyone edits the same list)
Best when: you want one shared list that stays in sync.
- One person adds items; another person checks them off at the store.
- Everyone sees changes without needing to re-send anything.
Shared packing list (trip planning)
Best when: you’re preparing for a trip and want a single source of truth.
- Add sections like “Kids,” “Toiletries,” “Documents,” and “Car.”
- Each person can claim or check off items.
Chore tracker (shared responsibility)
Best when: the household needs a shared view of what’s done.
- Track recurring chores (trash, dishes, cat litter).
- See what’s completed and what’s overdue.
Shared health or pet care tracker (care team)
Best when: multiple people help with the same routine.
- Log meds, feeding, walks, symptoms, or vet notes.
- Avoid double-dosing or missed tasks by keeping one shared log.
“Same App, separate data” (share a format)
Best when: you want someone else to use the same setup, but not the same entries.
- A habit tracker template you share with a friend.
- A budgeting helper you share with a partner who wants their own separate budget.
Share an App (typical flow)
What happens after you share
- They’ll see the App in their App Library once they accept.
- Shared-data Apps stay in sync—changes show up for everyone who has access.
- If it’s an App-only share, each person uses the same App design but keeps their own separate content.
Sharing FAQs
Usually, no—sharing is meant to be ongoing. If you change how the App works later, the shared experience may update for everyone (especially if you’re collaborating on the same shared App). If something looks different for the other person, have them close and reopen the App, or open the invite link again.
For Apps with shared data, the goal is that everyone can contribute. If you’re both making changes, you may briefly see updates as they sync. If anything looks off, refresh by reopening the App.
Yes. If you no longer want someone to have access, you can revoke sharing access from the App’s sharing settings (where available). Once access is removed, they should no longer be able to open the shared version.
- Confirm they have Spanner installed.
- Ask them to open the invite link on the same device where Spanner is installed.
- Have them check they’re signed in.
- If they still can’t access it, resend the invite.
When to share vs. make a separate App
- Share when you want to work on the same list or tracker together.
- Make a separate App when each person needs privacy, different categories, or a different workflow.