Build custom internal tools fast, without code.
What is Retool?
Retool is a platform developed by a San Francisco-based company of the same name, founded in 2017. It enables developers and product teams to rapidly build internal tools by connecting to databases and APIs with a visual, drag-and-drop interface. Technically, Retool is not a single AI model but an application framework that abstracts front-end development. Its core architecture allows users to assemble pre-built React components and connect them to nearly any backend resource, including REST and GraphQL APIs, SQL databases, and third-party services like Salesforce. Key features include a rich component library, built-in JavaScript editor for custom logic, and robust collaboration and deployment controls. It primarily targets developers and operations teams in need of custom internal software, such as admin panels, dashboards, and CRUD apps, without building them from scratch. This significantly accelerates development cycles, often reducing tool-building time from weeks to hours, and seamlessly integrates into existing workflows by leveraging current data infrastructure. For teams exploring similar low-code solutions, you can find alternatives like https://ai-plaza.io/ai/internal-tools. Further technical details on its architecture are available from sources like TechCrunch, which has covered the company’s development approach.
Key Findings
- Internal Tooling: Enables rapid building of custom internal apps with a drag-and-drop interface.
- Visual Builder: Connects to any database or API using pre-built components for instant applications.
- Workflow Automation: Orchestrates complex business processes by connecting apps, data, and APIs seamlessly.
- Fast Development: Dramatically cuts development time from weeks to hours for operational tools.
- Custom Interfaces: Creates tailored admin panels, dashboards, and customer portals without extensive coding knowledge.
- Secure Deployment: Hosts applications on your infrastructure or managed cloud with enterprise-grade security controls.
- API Integration: Connects and interacts with countless services using built-in connectors and custom queries.
- Team Collaboration: Allows developers and non-developers to build and iterate together in real-time.
- Real-Time Data: Builds live dashboards that reflect database changes instantly for immediate decision-making.
- Scalable Applications: Supports apps from simple forms to complex multi-step workflows used by thousands.
Who is it for?
IT or DX Manager
- Internal tool development
- Legacy system integration
- Operational dashboard creation
- Process automation
- Prototyping new features
Office Administrator
- Employee onboarding tracker
- Meeting room management system
- Expense report portal
- Vendor contact directory
- Asset inventory management
Startup Founder
- MVP customer portal
- Investor reporting dashboard
- Internal CRM construction
- Operational workflow app
- Ad-hoc data analysis tool
Pricing
Free @ $0/mo
- Unlimited web and mobile apps
- 500 workflow runs per month
- 5GB database capacity
- 5GB file storage
- Up to 5 users
- Up to 20 hours per month of Agents
Team @ $10/mo
- Everything in Free
- 5000 workflow runs per month
- Staging resource environment
- App release versions
- Unlimited AI prompting credits
- Additional Agent hours available
Business @ $50/mo
- Everything in Team
- Audit logging
- Rich permission controls
- Portals and embedded apps
- Unlimited resource environments
- Unlimited modules
Enterprise @ Custom/mo
- Everything in Business
- SAML OpenID Connect SSO
- Source control
- Error monitoring and observability
- Full white-labeling
- Independent workspaces