Glide: Review of the No-Code Platform with AI to Convert Data into Apps
Glide is a no-code platform designed to create web and mobile applications from spreadsheet data and databases without writing any code. It falls under the category of no-code/low-code app builders with AI. Its core proposition is to transform data from Google Sheets, Excel, Airtable, or internal Glide tables into modern applications with automated workflows and production-ready components. For Small to Midsize Enterprises (SMEs), this means transitioning from manual processes to scalable internal tools, resulting in lower costs and faster delivery times.
Veredicto AgentAya: Glide
Glide is fast for prototyping and robust for operations. It excels with its visual editors (the Data Editor, Workflow Editor, and Layout Editor) plus Glide AI for automating text, audio, and images, and Glide Agent for generating apps and UI components via chat. For SMEs, its value lies in launching internal operations apps (inventory, logistics, orders, field CRM) without depending on a development team. Limitations include: there is no manual language selector; localization follows the device’s language settings. Local integrations, such as for local messaging services, require third-party connectors or APIs.
Recommendation: One of the best no-code routes with AI to digitalize operations and reduce manual work.
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score | Description |
| Features and Functionality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | Visual editor, real-time data, Workflows, powerful components, and templates. |
| Integrations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | Connectors to Sheets, Airtable, Excel, APIs, Zapier/Make; SQL and Big Tables support. |
| Language and Support | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5) | Apps and builder adjust to device language; no manual selector. |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | Intuitive, although it requires basic understanding of data structure. |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) | Good value-for-functionality ratio; scalable plans. |
AgentAya Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 / 5
Fast, modern, and featuring practical AI for SME operations.
Ideal for:
- SMEs that want to digitalize internal processes (inventory, sales, CRM).
- Teams that work with spreadsheets and want to convert them into applications.
- Entrepreneurs who need to launch MVPs or prototypes without technical knowledge.
- Organizations looking to automate repetitive tasks with AI and visual workflows.
Not ideal for:
- Companies that require 100% human support and full documentation in a language other than English.
- Projects that need full control over the source code.
- Applications with advanced native functions or high offline performance requirements.
Glide Key Features
- No-Code Development: Visual drag-and-drop construction with instant preview.
- Data-First: Connects Google Sheets, Excel, Airtable, Glide Tables, and Big Tables, supporting up to millions of rows with high-volume sources.
- Workflow Editor: Creates automations with triggers based on email, webhooks, schedules, and events; includes conditions, loops, and chained steps.
- Modern Components: Library of forms, calendars, charts, cards, and more; ready-made themes and layouts, featuring « Automatic Design System. »
- Permissions and Roles: Custom views per team, granular read/edit control, and condition-based rules.
- Templates and Use Cases: CRM, dashboards, portals, Inventory, Logistics, Procurement, Vendor, and Warehouse applications.
- Professional Solutions: Teams or partners who can build your app in approximately four weeks with continuous support.
- Metrics and Visualization: Customizable charts and advanced calculations for trends and KPIs.
AI Functions
Glide AI extends no-code capabilities by integrating intelligent functions directly into data flows and automations.
Its main functions include:
- Text Generation and Transformation: Generate Text creates text from data or context (summaries, automatic replies, descriptions). Text to JSON / Text to Lists / Text to Number / Text to Boolean converts text into processable structures or values.
- Document and Media Processing: Audio to Text transcribes voice recordings to text. Document to Text extracts text from PDF, DOCX, XLSX, and PowerPoint. Image to Text detects and converts text from uploaded images.
- Automation with AI: Used within the Workflow Editor to execute intelligent steps (analysis, generation, or classification). Glide Agent acts as a conversational assistant that can generate complete apps or UI components from natural language descriptions.
- Supported Models: Uses technology from OpenAI, Azure ML, and Google Cloud, automatically selecting the most suitable model.
- Advanced Reasoning: Included in the Enterprise plan, offering more complex responses and personalized AI consultation.
Integrations
Glide excels in its connectivity with data sources, APIs, and business services.
- Data Sources: Glide Tables and Big Tables (up to 10 million rows). Google Sheets, Airtable, and Microsoft Excel. SQL databases available on the Enterprise plan.
- Services and APIs: Connectors for Slack, Stripe, Gmail, Outlook, Google Calendar, Google Maps, Mixpanel, Segment, DocuSign, Intercom, Twilio, Zapier, and Make. Integrations with external AI tools like Replicate, Pinecone, ElevenLabs, Google Gemini, and OpenAI. Supports API Calls and Glide API for advanced interactions.
- Automation: Triggers via email, webhook, or cron. Integration with Zapier or Make to connect with local systems or regional apps like local messaging services, CRMs, or ERPs.
- Access and Authentication: Single Sign-On (SSO) and role-based access control.
Security and Data Compliance
Glide employs enterprise-level security measures to protect user data and ensure compliance with demanding regulations. All information is encrypted both in transit and at rest, preventing unauthorized access during transmission or storage. The platform offers multi-factor authentication, advanced permissions, and role-based access controls, along with Single Sign-On (SSO) and continuous domain monitoring.
Glide references recognized frameworks like SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and CCPA, reinforcing its commitment to privacy and transparency.
Key Security Point: Glide AI does not use customer information to train artificial intelligence models. Agreements with its sub-processors expressly prohibit this use and guarantee the confidentiality of processed content.
Language – Customer Service and Interface
Applications created with Glide, as well as the builder itself, automatically adjust their language according to the user’s device settings, eliminating the need for a manual selector. English is fully supported, along with more than 30 additional languages. However, the official documentation and customer support are primarily in English.
AI Language – The Tool Itself
Glide AI functions do not depend on a specific language but operate on structured data, so they work seamlessly with multilingual content. It is possible to input prompts, generate texts, or transform data directly in any supported language within the AI columns or automated workflows.
Mobile Access
Apps are responsive and function as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). They are installed from the browser and operate on mobile, tablet, and desktop with real-time synchronization. PWAs rely on connectivity; advanced offline features are limited compared to native apps. The editor (builder) is web-based.
Support, Onboarding, and Account Management
Glide’s help center offers detailed documentation, video tutorials, active forums, and the educational platform Glide University. Higher-tier plans provide priority support and a dedicated Account Manager for implementation assistance.
Ease of Use / UX
The interface is organized and predictable, featuring a spreadsheet-like Data Editor, a Layout Editor with ready-made components, and a visual Workflow Editor. Immediate preview speeds up iterations. The learning curve is short for spreadsheet users, allowing an SME to gain value the same day, moving from a spreadsheet to a functional app.
Pricing and Plans
Glide offers a flexible plan structure:
- Free Version: Ideal for learning and experimenting.
- Explorer or Maker Plans: Incorporate Glide AI and greater data capacity for expanding projects.
- Business Plan: For more powerful integrations, including API access, advanced workflows, and expanded support.
- Enterprise Plan: Oriented toward large-scale implementations, with features like SSO, SQL queries, customized account management, and advanced compliance options.
Case Study
A logistics SME created an order and delivery portal with Glide connected to Google Sheets (and later to Big Tables). Using Workflows, they automated notifications, and with Glide AI, they extracted data from delivery guides and summarized driver incidents. Result: Fewer capture errors, automatic prioritization of urgent deliveries, and reduced coordination time between warehouse and field staff.
Glide vs. Alternatives
| Aspect | Glide | FlutterFlow | Google AppSheet |
| Focus | Visual no-code, data-based. | Low-code, more developer-oriented. | No-code integrated with Google Workspace. |
| Integrations | 1,000+ sources and external APIs. | Integrations with Firebase and APIs. | Direct integration with Google Sheets and Drive. |
| Best For | SMEs seeking speed and ease of use. | Technical teams or startups. | Businesses using the Google ecosystem. |
Conclusion: Glide is the most accessible and fastest option for SMEs; FlutterFlow stands out for its technical power, and AppSheet for its integration with the Google ecosystem.
FAQs
Is Glide a good option for SMEs?
Yes. Glide is ideal for SMEs that want to digitalize processes or create internal tools without hiring development.
Does Glide use artificial intelligence?
Yes. Glide AI automates tasks such as classification, processing, and content generation from the Explorer plans and up.
Can I use Glide on a cell phone?
Yes. The apps created by Glide open from any mobile browser or are installed as PWAs, with real-time synchronization.
What are the best alternatives to Glide?
The main alternatives are FlutterFlow (more technical) and Google AppSheet (more integrated into the Google ecosystem).
