Retool launches a new app builder that lets teams write software in any tool—Claude, Replit, Lovable—and deploy it through a single governance layer, shifting away from proprietary low-code abstractions toward standard React and TypeScript.

What happened

Retool introduced a new app builder that accepts React applications built anywhere—including Claude Code, Replit, Lovable, and local repositories—and imports them onto Retool's platform. The builder uses React on the frontend and TypeScript on the backend, works with prompt-first workflows, and lets builders drag in screenshots, PDFs, design files, or spreadsheets as input references. Apps can be built and edited directly from Claude Code, Cursor, or Codex using Retool's newly launched MCP server.

Why it matters

Companies are building software at scale inside their walls, but most of these apps lack authentication, data controls, and audit trails—creating shadow IT at enterprise scale. Retool's shift lets teams keep their favorite tools while moving governance out of individual app code into a centralized layer below all apps. This means every app deployed to Retool inherits the same authentication, role-based access controls, and data policies automatically, regardless of where it was built—eliminating the need for each team to reimplement security from scratch.

What to watch

Retool is opening up input methods significantly beyond traditional UI builders, and has partnered with consultancies and system integrators (Artefact, BitHippie, BoldTech, GxP, Lingaro, Nymbl, Sabai System, SingleWave, Sixth Generation, StackDrop, Stradia Partners, TechRebels, and Param) for hands-on enablement. The platform now handles the entire app lifecycle—versioning, release management, environment promotion, access changes, and monitoring—in one place.