Confluence Marketplace Apps
Confluence covers many needs out of the box, and apps stretch it further. The Atlassian Marketplace hosts thousands of add-ons built by Atlassian partners and independent developers. Apps add diagram editors, advanced tables, reporting tools, and connections to outside services.
What an App Does
An app plugs into Confluence and adds new abilities. Some apps add macros to the slash menu. Others add admin screens, page templates, or connections to external tools. Readers often use app features without knowing an app powers them.
CONFLUENCE (core)
|
+-- Diagram app --> draw flowcharts inside pages
+-- Reporting app --> build charts from page data
+-- Chat app --> send page updates to team chat
+-- Approval app --> collect sign-off on documents
Popular App Categories
| Category | What It Adds |
|---|---|
| Diagrams | Flowcharts, wireframes, and architecture drawings |
| Approvals | Review workflows and sign-off tracking |
| Reporting | Charts and dashboards built from content |
| Templates | Large libraries of ready-made page layouts |
| Integrations | Links to chat, storage, and design platforms |
Finding and Installing Apps
Administrators open the apps section in site settings and choose the option to find new apps. Search by name or browse by category. Each listing shows a description, screenshots, reviews, pricing, and the vendor.
- Open the app listing and read the overview.
- Start a free trial when the listing offers one.
- Install the app and test it in a practice space.
- Roll the app out to the wider team after a successful test.
Team members without admin rights can often request an app. Administrators then review the request and decide.
Evaluating an App Before You Install
Vendor and Reviews
Check how long the vendor has served customers and read recent reviews. Look for steady updates and responsive support.
Security and Privacy
Read the permissions an app requests. An app that asks for broad access to all content deserves a closer look. Look for security programmes that the Marketplace advertises, and ask your security team to review apps that touch sensitive data.
Cost
Most paid apps price by user count, and the price often rises with larger teams. Compare trial costs with real usage, and confirm whether the price covers all users or only active ones.
Compatibility
Cloud and Data Center use different app versions. Confirm that the listing supports your edition.
A Decision Walkthrough
Need: draw flowcharts in Confluence | +--> Does built-in Whiteboard or macro cover it? -- yes --> Use built-in | no | +--> Search Marketplace "diagram" +--> Shortlist 2 apps (reviews, price, edition) +--> Trial both in a test space +--> Pick one and tell the team
Managing Apps After Install
- Review the installed list every quarter.
- Remove apps that nobody uses.
- Update apps promptly, since updates carry fixes.
- Track licence costs against actual usage.
- Keep a short internal guide that explains each app.
Risks to Avoid
- Installing many apps with overlapping features.
- Building important processes on an app with no support.
- Ignoring permission prompts during install.
- Forgetting that exports may not carry app content in full.
Getting Help When an App Misbehaves
Every listing links to the vendor support page. Gather facts before you contact the vendor: the app version, the Confluence edition, the page where the problem appears, and the exact steps that trigger it. Clear reports earn faster answers.
Questions for Your Pilot Group
- Does the app save time on a real task?
- Does anyone struggle to learn it?
- Do page loads slow down when the app is active?
- Would the team notice if we removed it?
A pilot group of five to ten people gives enough feedback to decide. Document the verdict in a short page, so later reviewers understand why the team chose or rejected the app.
Key Takeaways
- The Marketplace hosts apps that extend Confluence.
- Trials let teams test before they pay.
- Vendor, security, cost, and edition guide the decision.
- Regular reviews keep the app list lean and useful.