Setting Your Default Builder and Live App Experiences

What You'll Learn

How to set your default Knack experience
How to switch between Classic and Next-Gen builders within apps
How to navigate the different URL structures
Best practices for exploring Next-Gen features

Overview

Next-Gen Knack is now available to all users, offering a completely rebuilt experience while maintaining the powerful functionality you rely on. You have complete control over when and how you explore the new platform - there's no forced migration or transition, and you can switch between versions anytime.

Setting Your Default Experience

Dashboard Toggle

Your Dashboard includes a toggle that lets you choose which version opens by default when you log in.

To set your preference:

Log in to your Knack account
Locate the toggle switch on your dashboard
Select either "Classic" or "Next-Gen" as your default
Your preference saves automatically for future sessions

You can change this setting anytime.

Switching Between Builders

Within Individual Apps

Each app provides an easy way to switch between Classic and Next-Gen builders without leaving the interface.

To switch builders:

Open any of your apps in either Classic or Next-Gen
Look for the switching option in the top menu
Click "Switch to Next-Gen" or "Switch to Classic"
The system transitions you to the other version

Understanding URL Structures

Next-Gen uses different URLs than Classic Knack:

Next-Gen Builder: https://builder-next.knack.com/[account-slug]/[app-name]
Next-Gen Live App: https://apps.knack.com/[account-slug]/[app-name]
Classic URLs: Continue using existing Classic URL patterns

Note: Bookmarks and shared links will maintain their respective versions, so you can keep both Classic and Next-Gen bookmarks as needed.

Exploring Next-Gen Features

Key Improvements to Discover

When you switch to Next-Gen, you'll find several enhanced experiences:

Modern Live App Design

Built on a modern design system for consistency
More professional appearance for end users

Enhanced Page Building

Drag-and-drop Page Editor
Real-time preview that matches your Live App
New layout options and design flexibility
Seamless integration with Themes

Improved Classic Features

Add multiple records simultaneously in DataTables
Clear connection context when linking records
Consistent filtering and rule logic across features
Predictable Display Rule outcomes

Best Practices for Exploration

Start small: Test Next-Gen with a new or less critical app first
Compare side-by-side: Use the switching feature to see differences in real-time
Plan your transition: Decide which apps benefit most from Next-Gen features

Managing Your Workflow

Maintaining Productivity

Switch versions based on the task at hand
Roll out changes to end users at your own pace with the new URLs

Getting Support

Available Resources

Knowledge Base: Next-Gen documentation and tutorials
Webinars: Regular training sessions on new features (Register here)
Community Forums: Connect with other users exploring Next-Gen
Support Team: Contact support for technical assistance

Common Questions

Q: Will switching affect my existing apps? A: No, switching between versions doesn't change your app's data, structure, or functionality.

Q: Can I use different versions for different apps? A: Yes, you can choose the best version for each specific app and use case.

Q: Do I need to migrate my apps? A: No migration is required. Next-Gen works with your existing apps automatically.

Q: Why does the Next-Gen Live App look different? A: Set up your Next-Gen Live App's look and feel using Themes.

Next Steps

Getting Started Checklist

✅ Set your default preference in the dashboard
✅ Try switching builders in an app
✅ Explore the Next-Gen Page Editor
✅ Review the modern Live App experience

👍
Take your time exploring Next-Gen. There's no rush to transition everything at once - the goal is to enhance your Knack experience when it makes sense for your projects.