Some apps have a personal app capability, letting you use them outside of a channel or chat but still within Teams.

For example, OneNote gives you a private workspace within Teams, while Planner and Wrike offer a bird's eye view of all your tasks, across boards that you or your team have added as channel tabs.

Add a personal app

Go to Apps on the left of Teams, then search or browse the app categories to find new ones. Look for ones with Personal app listed as a capability.  Example of app description

As far as adding the app goes, just hit the Add button!

Access or pin a personal app

On the left side of Teams, select More added apps  More options button to get to any app you've added that offers a personal view.

Tip: You might also see apps your org thinks you’d like.

Personal apps

Right click any app icon to Pin Pin  it for easy access.