About Custom Apps

Custom Apps in Serval allow you to integrate any third-party application that has an API, even if it’s not available as a pre-built integration. This feature enables you to extend Serval’s capabilities to work with your organization’s unique tools and services.

What the Custom App integration enables

CapabilityDescription
Workflow AutomationCreate custom workflows to interact with your integrated applications

Creating a Custom App in Serval

Follow these steps to create and configure a custom app integration:

Step 1: Navigate to Custom Apps

  1. In the Serval UI, go to the Available Apps section
  2. Scroll down to the bottom where you’ll find the Custom App option
  3. Click Connect to begin the setup process
Create Custom App

Step 2: Configure Basic App Information

A modal will appear allowing you to configure your custom app: Custom App Modal Fill in the following fields:
  • App Name: Enter the name of the application (typically the service name)
  • App Domain: Provide the application’s domain URL. This allows Serval to automatically pull the logo for easy identification
  • Instance Name (Optional): Add a brief instance name if needed to distinguish between multiple instances
Custom App Fields Filled Click Connect to create the custom app.

Step 3: Configure Authentication

After creating the app, you’ll be taken to the application configuration page, which looks similar to other pre-built integrations. To enable Serval to interact with your third-party app:
  1. Select the API tab
  2. Choose your authentication method:
    • OAuth: For OAuth-based authentication
    • API Key: For traditional API key authentication

OAuth Configuration

OAuth Setup

API Key Configuration

API Key Setup
  1. Enter your credentials and click Save

Obtaining Third-Party Credentials

To complete the integration, you’ll need to obtain credentials from your third-party service:
  • For OAuth: Follow the OAuth app creation process in your third-party service’s developer documentation
  • For API Keys: Generate an API key through your third-party service’s settings or developer portal
Please refer to your specific third-party application’s documentation for detailed instructions on:
  • Creating OAuth applications
  • Generating API keys
  • Setting appropriate permissions and scopes

Important Notes

Security Considerations

  • Credentials are never returned to the frontend after being saved
  • To update credentials, you must re-obtain them from the third-party service

Updating Configuration

To change any authentication fields:
  1. Go to the third-party service and grab the old credentials OR generate new credentials
  2. Return to the Custom App configuration in Serval
  3. Enter the new credentials (old credentials cannot be retrieved)
  4. Click Save to update the configuration
Your custom app is now connected and ready to use in Serval workflows!