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Publish a new app

To publish a new app, create a listing in My Apps, add its first version with your file or URL, and submit it for review. Once it is accepted, it appears on Softonic.

This guide is for apps that are not on Softonic yet. If your app is already on Softonic, you don’t need to publish it again: claim it instead.
See How to claim ownership of an app on Softonic.

What do I need before I start?

Have the right file or link for your platform:

  • Windows: a .exe, .msi or .msix file, digitally signed by a verifiable certificate authority.
  • macOS: a .dmg or .pkg file, digitally signed.
  • Android: a .apk file signed with your Google distribution key (the same key you use for your Google Play release).
  • iOS: the link to your app on the Apple App Store.
  • Web apps: the URL of your web app.

Files can be up to 1 GB. Unsigned files are rejected. Support for Chrome and Firefox extensions is coming soon.

How do I create a new app listing?

  1. In Softonic Publishing Center, open My Apps.
  2. Click Add application.
  3. Fill in the required details: icon, name, platform, base language, subtitle and category.
  4. Click Save.
Add App window with fields for the app icon, platform, base language, name, subtitle and category

What are the icon requirements?

Your icon must be:

  • square (1:1)
  • at least 400 × 400 px
  • 1 MB or smaller
  • PNG or JPG

Publishing Center checks your icon and creates a 512 × 512 px version for your listing.

How do I add the first version?

  1. Open your app from My Apps.
  2. Click Add version.
  3. Upload your file, or add your App Store link or web app URL.
  4. Add the version number, supported languages, description and screenshots.
  5. Save. Your version is now a draft.
New version screen with general information and version properties such as the executable, version number and supported languages

How do I submit my version for review?

First, choose what happens when your version is approved:

  • Automatic publishing: it goes live on Softonic as soon as it is accepted.
  • Manual publishing: it waits until you click Publish version.

Then submit the version. Before you do, check that it meets the requirements in Softonic publishing requirements: quality, compliance, and troubleshooting.

What happens after I submit?

Your version will have one of these statuses:

  • Pending review: the Softonic team is checking it. You don’t need to do anything.
  • Accepted: it meets the requirements. With automatic publishing it is live. With manual publishing, publish it when you are ready.
  • Rejected: you will get an email that explains why.

If the problem is with your content (for example screenshots, description or file signature), fix everything listed in the email and submit again. If your app’s category is not accepted on Softonic, the rejection is final.
See Softonic publishing requirements: quality, compliance, and troubleshooting for details.

Need help?

Write to devsupport@softonic.com.

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