How to create an e-commerce store using FlutterFlow?

Introduction

Flutterflow is a user-friendly, no-code app builder that lets you design, prototype, and build beautiful, responsive apps in a short time. You can easily create an e-commerce store using FlutterFlow without needing to write any code. This comprehensive tutorial will guide you through the complete process.

Step 1. Sign Up or Log Into FlutterFlow

First things first, head over to the FlutterFlow website. If you're new to FlutterFlow, click on Sign Up to create an account. If you already have an account, click Login to proceed.

Step 2. Create a New Project

Once you're logged in, you'll arrive at the FlutterFlow dashboard. Click on the + New Project button. Name your project, select Blank as the project starting point, then click Create.

Step 3. Understand the FlutterFlow Workspace

• The Design tab is primarily where you'll be developing your app. Note the Widgets library which houses your building resources.
• Prototype tab is where you can connect your different screens to get visual on how your app flows.
• Data tab is where you manage your app's data and databases.
• Universals will enable you to establish constants/layouts across the app.
• My Screens houses all your app’s screens.

Step 4. Design the Home Screen of Your App

Let's create your store's home screen. Click on + Add Screen in the My Screens panel and name it "Home".

Drag the appropriate widgets onto the canvas from the Widgets library on the left. For example, you may add the following widgets:

• Image widget for product image.
• Text widget for product name and price.
• Button widget for 'add to cart' button.

Customize the widgets to your preferred aesthetics by selecting each widget and adjusting its settings on the right.

Step 5. Create a Product Details Screen

Add another screen called "Product". This screen will display more product descriptions, images, and also options for purchasing. Drag and drop necessary widgets as you did for the Home screen.

Step 6. Link Your Screens

Go to the Prototype tab. Wire your widgets by clicking and dragging the circles from one widget to another. For example, link the product images on Home to their corresponding Product screens.

Step 7. Add Shopping Cart Functionality

Add another screen and name it "Cart". Design the screen such that it’ll show ordered items, total price, and purchase button etc.

For each product, you will need to add an Add to Cart button. In the Actions tab of the button, select a function to add items to a cart. This will typically involve incrementing the quantity of the item in a database.

Step 8. Manage Your Data

Go to Data tab. Here, you’ll add and manage databases. Create a database for your products and define necessary fields such as "productImage", "productName", and "productPrice." Create another database for the shopping cart.

Back in the Design tab, bind your widgets to the relevant data fields by clicking the database icon next to each relevant widget property, and selecting the relevant database field.

Step 9. Test and Preview the App

Just above the canvas, click on Preview tab. Preview is loaded as per the device selected on top.

Step 10. Build and Export Your App

Finally, you can build your app by clicking Build at the top of the workspace.

Once the build queue has finished, you can export your app by clicking Export. On the export page, you’ll see different export options depending on your subscription level.

FlutterFlow Tips and Best Practices

1. Save your project frequently as you're working.
2. Validate all the data necessary for screens.
3. During screen prototyping, check flows on the preview to ensure desired actions.
4. While designing, focus on UI/UX and follow best practices for a better customer experience.

Once you've completed all these steps, you'll have a basic, fully functional e-commerce store. Keep exploring the possibilities with FlutterFlow and optimise the store for your needs. Happy Developing!