# Fork App

Forking creates an independent app from a public app or template that you can view but do not own. Use **Copy** instead when the source app already belongs to you.

## Fork a Public App

Before you begin, sign in and select or create the project that should contain the new app. You need permission to create apps in that project.

1. Open the public app or template you want to use.
2. Select **Fork** in the upper-right corner.
3. Enter a name for the new app.
4. Choose its visibility when that option is available on your plan.
5. Select **Fork App** and wait for the new app to open.

The fork contains its own copy of the source files. Changes to it do not affect the original app, and changes to the original do not update the fork.

Review integrations, secrets, repository connections, and visibility before continuing development or deploying. Access and credentials from the source app are not automatically available to every fork.

## Fork or Copy

- Use **Fork** for another user's public app or for a template.
- Use [**Copy**](/docs/ai/app-lifecycle/copy-app/) for an app you already own.

Your plan can limit whether you may fork a public app that is not a template. If **Fork** is unavailable, check the app's visibility and your plan.
