How to Make a Cookbook App for an iPad
Apple provides all the tools you need to create your own iPad software, such as a cookbook app. The process requires a high level of programming expertise with the Mac and iOS platforms. Hiring a software developer is a viable alternative if you don't have the programming skills to build your own iPad cookbook app. Proper planning is essential, whether you build the app yourself or hire a software developer.
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Instructions
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Write a design document for your iPad cookbook app, beginning with a single statement that summarizes what your app will do. Determine what the primary focus is of the app will be and what makes it unique. Gradually expand on this summary to write a full and detailed overview of how the app will work, how its content will be accessed and displayed, and what features the user will have. Include sketches or mock-ups of how it will look on the iPad's screen. Do not include any written content at this stage of the design document.
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Gather the written content of your cookbook app using a word processing program on your computer. Include the text for your descriptions, recipes, introductions and any other written content the app will need. Include annotations detailing where each piece of content will fit into your app, with clear references to the design document.
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Compile any illustrations or multimedia content that will support the app's written content and its design. Identify where each piece will fit into the app's design, and which piece of written content it is associated with.
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Take your design document to an approved Apple developer to discuss your app's requirements. Gather feedback from the developer on the app's design and rewrite the design document accordingly. Consult the developer again after the design document has been refined and instruct them to begin building the app.
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Register as an Apple developer at the iOS Developer Program if you intend to build the app yourself. Download the iOS software development kit and the iPad Programming Guide. As of the date of publication, registration requires a $99 fee. Begin building your app, following the design document closely.
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Make the app available to a group of trusted iPad owners for testing. Gather feedback from the testers about the app's strengths and weaknesses, and create a second build taking this feedback into account. Repeat this testing phase as often as is practical to ensure the app is as polished and functional as possible.
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Submit the app to Apple for approval and distribution through the App Store. If you are working with a developer, he may be able to submit the app to Apple on your behalf.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow the testing procedure using people who are not directly connected to the app's development, whether you are building it yourself or working with a software developer.
Give consideration to your sales model when writing the design document and consulting a developer. Some cookbook apps are distributed for free and supported by advertising, while others are free to download and require an in-app payment for recipes and content. Other applications require an up-front payment with all content included.
Teaming up with a digital artist can also be helpful when creating an app.
A Mac computer is required to run the iOS software development kit and to submit the completed app to Apple.
