Help & Documentation
How to use the Ship Companion App Editor
What is this tool?
The App Editor is a tool for managing the content of the Ship Companion mobile app. The Ship Companion app is used by guests aboard Dutch sailing ships and provides them with information about the ship, maps, recipes, checklists, and more. With this editor, you can update all that content and export it as a file that the developer can load into the app.
Basic workflow
1. Import your file
Start by importing the .appconf file you received from the developer. Click the "Import" button in the top right corner and select the file. All the current content of the app will be loaded into the editor.
2. Edit your content
Use the menu on the left to navigate between the different sections. You can edit ship information, add recipes, manage checklists, update the FAQ, and much more. Changes are saved automatically in your browser while you work.
3. Export and upload
When you are done editing, click the "Export" button to download the updated .appconf file. Then upload it to the Google Drive folder you received from the developer — that is all that is needed.
What can you edit?
General Settings
Edit the ship name, version number, and other basic information about the app.
About Page
Edit the ship description, skipper biography, ship facts (like length and year of construction), the history timeline, equipment list, and gallery images.
Cabin Plan
Manage the list of cabins and their positions on the ship layout image. Each cabin has a number and a bed count.
Checklists
Create and manage packing and safety checklists for guests. Each checklist has an icon, a title in all three languages, and a list of items to check off.
FAQ
Add frequently asked questions and their answers. Questions and answers must be provided in all three languages (German, English, and Dutch).
Contact Details
Edit the phone number, email address, social media links (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube), and company/skipper information.
External Links
Manage links to the booking page, privacy policy, and ship location tracker. You can also add extra links and supply links for provisioning.
Map & Cities
Manage cities that appear on the interactive map, and the points of interest (shops, restaurants, ports, attractions) for each city.
Recipes
Add and edit recipes with ingredients (amounts are entered for 10 people and automatically scaled), step-by-step instructions, and spices.
Useful tips
Three languages
Most content must be provided in German, English, and Dutch. Look for the language tabs (DE / EN / NL) when editing text fields.
Images
You can upload images for the about page gallery, skipper photo, recipe images, and more. Images are automatically converted to the WebP format to save space.
Automatic saving in the browser
Your changes are automatically saved in your browser. If you accidentally close the tab, you will be asked whether you want to restore your work next time you open the editor.
Always export when done
The browser save is only temporary. Always export the .appconf file and upload it to your Google Drive folder when you are finished editing.
Developer mode
Some advanced fields are hidden by default. They can be made visible by enabling "Developer Mode" in the General Settings. Only do this if you know what you are doing.
Common questions
I don't have an .appconf file — where do I get one?
The .appconf file is provided by the developer. Contact the person who set up the app for your ship.
Will my changes appear in the app immediately?
No. After exporting, upload the .appconf file to the Google Drive folder you received. The developer will then pick it up and publish the update to the app.
Can I break something?
No permanent damage can be done here — the original .appconf file is unchanged on your computer. If something goes wrong, simply import the original file again.
Do I need to rename the file before uploading?
No. Just upload the exported file as-is to the Google Drive folder. The filename does not need to be changed.