In the fast-paced world of software development, efficiency is king. Retool has emerged as a groundbreaking low-code platform that empowers teams to build internal tools rapidly.
Retool’s power comes from its 400+ templates and pre-built configurations, making it easy to kickstart internal app development. This guide explores what Retool templates are, how they work, and why they’re so useful for connecting with different databases and systems.
In simple terms, Retool templates are pre-configured, customizable building blocks designed to speed up internal tool development. Whether you need an admin panel, a dashboard, or a full-fledged CRM, these templates give you a solid starting point that you can tweak to fit your exact needs. With just one click, developers can inspire themselves from a template and connect it to their own data sources, jumpstarting the customization process.
How can you create Retool apps?
Retool makes it easy to build business apps without extensive manual coding. The interaction with the platform is mainly organized via a drag-and-drop UI builder that is accessible even to users without any specific tech skills and knowledge. Thanks to the visual approach to app creation, the development process becomes quite straightforward.
Instead of writing front-end code from scratch, users can simply pick and arrange ready-made components like tables, forms, charts, and buttons. These aren’t just static elements—they can connect to live data sources, making sure everything updates in real time.
Retool apps can retrieve, filter, and display data and key metrics in a structured manner based on specific business needs.
As Retool is a low-code platform, it allows developers to customize the created business tools by introducing custom components and modifying the available templates. To change customizable features or implement unique functionality, developers can write code in some of the most commonly used programming languages, like JavaScript, Python, and SQL.
What can you build in Retool?
Retool is known as versatile platform that can be used to create various types of business tools and apps for enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining workflows. What is even more importnat is that it provides Retool templates for a wide range of use cases. Here are some examples of solutions that can be built on this platform.
Admin dashboards and CRM platforms
"Is Retool a CRM?" That's the question that we hear from our clients from time to time. No, it is not a CRM. However, it can be used to create such types of solutions.
Companies of different types and sizes rely on various dashboards to manage customer data, transactions, and internal workflows. Retool allows them to create such dashboards quickly and efficiently with a wide range of open-source templates. Such panels can display live data and key metrics from various databases and APIs. As a result, teams can monitor and interact with records in real time.
Inventory management systems
Logistics and retail companies rely on inventory management tools to keep track of stock, manage suppliers, and handle customer orders smoothly. Retool apps can connect to companies' databases to provide real-time inventory updates and automate reorder processes.
Customer support systems
Support teams need to have powerful tools to respond to customer queries, and manage issue resolutions. With Retool, developers can build apps that will be integrated with support platforms like Zendesk and internal databases to create a unified dashboard.
Financial dashboards
To work efficiently, financial teams need real-time insights into revenue, expenses, and trends. Retool provides ready-to-use templates for building financial tools and dashboards, making it easy to visualize data and generate reports.
Data entry and form-based apps
Manual data entry is an essential component of various processes in different domains. For example, it can be required for many tasks related to customer onboarding or preparing compliance documentation. With Retool templates, developers can create smart forms that can validate user input and submit data to databases in order to trigger automated workflows.
Workflow automation and internal apps
Many internal processes involve repetitive tasks that can be automated. Retool enables its users to build apps that will be able to trigger workflows based on certain conditions or in accordance with the set schedule. For example, a Retool app can send notifications to users as soon as their orders are processed.
Categories and Business Domains of Retool Templates
Retool's library encompasses a broad spectrum of template categories:
- Customer Success
- Customer Support
- Data and Analytics
- DevOps
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Mobile
- Operations
- Product
- Sales
- Workflows
This diversity reflects Retool's commitment to providing solutions across the entire business spectrum. Templates cater to a wide range of use cases:
- Admin Panel
- Agriculture
- Analytics / ML
- CRM
- Compliance
- Construction
- Content / CMS
- Ecommerce
- Food & Beverage
- HR
- Logistics
- Manufacturing
- Marketplaces
- Recruiting
- Sales
- Telecommunications
- e-Commerce
These examples show just how flexible Retool is when it comes to streamlining business operations and workflows.
Some standout templates include:
- Snowflake Dashboard – great for advanced data analysis and management.
- Firebase RealtimeDB Admin Panel – lets you interact with live data in real time.
- Google Sheets Dashboard – makes data visualization and tracking simple.
These templates highlight how Retool connects to different data sources, giving users powerful tools to read, edit, and visualize data with ease.
Benefits of using Retool templates
The possibility of relying on ready-to-use components is one of the strongest arguments in favor of preferring low-code platforms like Retool to traditional coding. Let's have a closer look at the advantages and new opportunities that software developers can leverage with Retool components.
Faster development process
Pre-built UI components and workflows eliminate the need to start building software solutions from scratch. Developers can quickly deploy functional business tools without extensive coding. However, coding skills and tech expertise will be required to tailor solutions built with Retools to some specific business needs.
Cost-efficiency
The less time is spent on building custom internal tools and business apps, the lower the development costs a company will need to cover.
Moreover, when relying on Retool, businesses do not need to maintain big development teams. This also helps them optimize their tech-related expenses.
Faster iteration and scaling
With Retool templates, it is possible not only to build apps faster but also to modify and expand them without significant time and money investments.
As your requirements evolve amid your business growth, developers can apply and change the required components based on your requirements.
Increased productivity
The use of Retool templates greatly contributes to enhancing operational efficiency. Instead of waiting for developers to build fully custom applications, businesses can get their solutions faster. Having out-of-the-box components and templates, development teams can work more efficiently, without allocating much time for solving basic coding tasks.
Customization flexibility
If you think that due to the use of Retool templates, you can get only basic apps with standard features, it is not true. Templates provide a solid foundation that can be tailored to fit specific business needs.
Professional developers can introduce custom components, modify layouts, integrate APIs, and adjust logic effortlessly.
Easy integration
One of the best things about Retool’s open-source templates is how easily they connect to different databases and data sources. Whether you’re working with SQL databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL, NoSQL options like MongoDB, or real-time sources like Firebase, Retool makes integration seamless. It also supports Google Sheets, REST APIs, and GraphQL, so pulling in data and working with it is simple.
By using Retool templates, you can bring multiple data sources together in one dashboard without the usual headaches. Plus, the user-friendly interface makes it accessible—even for those without a technical background.
Enhanced data visualization
Retool templates come with charts, tables, and filtering tools that can be adjusted to specific business needs. All these customizable features can help users analyze data effectively.
Thanks to this approach to working with data and business insights, users can enjoy more structured views of key metrics and make more valuable and better-informed decisions.
What are the limitations of Retool?
Retool can become an excellent choice for building your business tools and dashboards. However, before opting for it for app development, you should also stay aware of the limitations related to Retool templates and the platform itself.
Front-end customization
Retool has rather restricted design flexibility compared to traditional custom software development approaches. You can still modify the styles of Retool templates. However, you can't completely change the UI framework. Moreover, there can be issues with the implementation of complex, highly interactive UI elements.
Performance issues with large datasets
Retool apps can smoothly work with different types of data from multiple sources. However, they may struggle with handling large amounts of data in real time. Queries that are expected to return thousands of rows can significantly slow down performance.
That's why when businesses have apps that require processing large datasets efficiently, they need to find experts that may help to optimize the performance of their tools. However, for some extra complicated systems with sophisticated logic, Retool may be not suitable at all.
Learning curve
Some very basic apps and dashboards can be built even by citizen developers with the help of Retool templates and components. Nevertheless, to address some specific business needs, knowledge of SQL, JavaScript, and APIs must be acquired.
To build more sophisticated workflows and business logic, users should be good at scripting. That's why complete non-technical users need to rely on developer assistance for such tasks.
Moreover, the platform itself has some peculiarities. When it comes to its advanced features, users may need time to understand how they work.
Vendor lock-in
Retool brings a lot of benefits in the short term. The development with its templates and ready-to-use components is much faster, cheaper, and often more efficient than with traditional coding methods. However, apps created with this platform cannot be easily exported to standalone code.
If one day you decide to migrate your apps to another platform, in some cases you may need to rebuild them from scratch.
Beyond Templates: Retool's Extensive Features
Beyond the templates, Retool is equipped with an extensive array of features designed to complement and enhance the development experience. These include a wide range of components, workflows for automating tasks, mobile support for on-the-go access, and AI Apps for integrating intelligent solutions into your tools. For enterprises, Retool offers self-hosting options and a robust set of integrations, making it a scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.
Retool templates stand at the forefront of revolutionizing how internal tools are developed, offering a blend of speed, customization, and integration capabilities. By leveraging these templates, organizations can significantly cut down development time and effort, paving the way for enhanced productivity and efficiency.
If you are considering the use of Retool or any other low-code platforms for building your apps, at Akveo, we are always ready to offer you professional assistance. Our developers have rich expertise in dealing with this type of technology and can cope with tasks of any complexity. Contact us and let us know how we can help you.
Streamlining Gifting Marketplace Operations with Retool
Afloat, a gifting marketplace, needed custom dashboards to streamline order management, delivery tracking, and reporting while integrating with Shopify and external APIs.
The solution:
We built two Retool-based dashboards:
- A Retail Partner Dashboard embedded into Shopify for managing orders and store performance.
- An Admin Dashboard for handling deliveries and partner data.
Both dashboards included real-time integration with Afloat's Backend and APIs for accurate, up-to-date data and scalability.
The result: enhanced efficiency, error-free real-time data, and scalable dashboards for high-order volumes.
Billing Automation for a SaaS Company with Low-Code
Our client needed a robust billing solution to manage hierarchical licenses, ensure compliance, and automate invoicing for streamlined operations.
The solution:
We developed a Retool-based application that supports multi-tiered licenses, automates invoicing workflows, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and accounting platforms to enhance financial data management.
The result:
- Achieved 100% adherence to licensing agreements, mitigating penalties.
- Automated invoicing and workflows reduced manual effort significantly.
- Dashboards and reports improved decision-making and operational visibility.
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
