Using the Simplifier Teams App

Written by Chris Bouveret
April 3, 2025

This guide explains how to install and use the Simplifier Teams App in Microsoft Teams. The app embeds a single Simplifier instance (e.g., Production) into a personal Teams tab for quick access — directly within your Microsoft Teams workspace.

Overview

The Simplifier Teams App is a lightweight Microsoft Teams Tab App that allows users to access a predefined Simplifier instance without leaving Teams. This is perfect for:

  • Simplifying access to your main Simplifier environment

  • Reducing context-switching between browser tabs and tools

  • Improving adoption of Simplifier within Teams

What You’ll Get

Once installed, the app will:

  • Appear in your Teams sidebar

  • Load the specified Simplifier URL directly inside Teams

  • Enable login and full functionality (if Simplifier allows embedding in iframes)

Installation Guide

1. Clone or Download the App

https://github.com/simplifier-ag/simplifier-for-ms-teams.git

Or download the .zip package directly from GitHub.

2. Update the Manifest File

Open manifest.json in a code editor and locate the following fields:

Field Set This To
contentUrl The URL of your Simplifier instance (e.g., https://simplifier.example.com)
websiteUrl Same as contentUrl
validDomains Add the domain of your Simplifier instance (e.g., simplifier.example.com)
name.short “Simplifier” or your preferred name
description.short e.g., “Access Simplifier inside Teams”

3. Create Your App Package

The Teams app package is a .zip file containing:

  • manifest.json

  • color-icon.png (192x192px)

  • outline-icon.png (32x32px)

Icons are required and must be PNG format.

Compress these three files into a .zip archive.

f you’re planning to distribute the app org-wide or manage it through Teams Admin Center, register it via the Microsoft Teams Developer Portal.

🔧 Steps:

  1. Go to https://dev.teams.microsoft.com

  2. Sign in with your Microsoft 365 account

  3. Click + New App

  4. Fill in:

    • App Name, Short Description, Long Description

    • App ID (it’s auto-generated for you)

  5. Upload your icons and manifest settings

  6. Save and download the .zip or publish it to your org

This method is ideal if you’re working with your internal IT or want future update management.

4. Upload to Microsoft Teams

  1. Open Microsoft Teams

  2. Click Apps > Manage your apps

  3. Select Upload a custom app

  4. Upload your .zip file

Once uploaded, the app will appear under your personal apps.

Using the App

  1. Open the app from the Teams sidebar

  2. Your Simplifier instance will load inside a tab

  3. Log in and begin using Simplifier — no separate browser needed

Requirements

  • HTTPS hosting for your Simplifier instance

  • Embedding support: Ensure the Simplifier server allows embedding (i.e., no X-Frame-Options: DENY or restrictive Content-Security-Policy)

  • Microsoft Teams (desktop or web)

FAQs

Q: Can I link to different environments?
A: This version links to one instance only. For multiple environments, you can create and upload separate app packages (e.g., “Simplifier Dev”, “Simplifier QA”).

Q: Can I publish this company-wide?
A: Yes. Ask your Microsoft 365 Admin to publish it to your organization’s App Catalog.

Q: Does this require backend code?
A: No. The app is entirely frontend and based on a static manifest.json with a contentUrl.

Support

For questions or help with setup, reach out to your internal IT team or the Simplifier administrator.

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