Having stand-alone desktop programs for commonly visited websites can enhance productivity, cut down on distractions, and facilitate surfing. You can open the site directly, like any other app, rather than having to open a whole browser window each time.
Web apps can be created from websites in a number of contemporary browsers, including Chrome, Edge, and Brave. This tutorial explains how to accomplish it on both Windows and macOS.
Methods to Download a Website as an App on Desktop
The following are the best methods for installing a website as a desktop application across several browsers:
1. Use Google Chrome’s “Create Shortcut” Feature
With only a few clicks in Chrome, you can convert any website into a Progressive Web App (PWA).
Steps:
- Go to the website you wish to install in Google Chrome.
- In the upper-right corner, click the three-dot menu.
- To create a shortcut, select More Tools.
- Choose “Open as window” in the popup.
- Click “Create.”
The website will launch in a separate window without the full browser user interface, and a desktop shortcut will show up.
2. Use Microsoft Edge’s “Install This Site as an App” Option
On Windows, Microsoft Edge has a comparable capability with improved integration.
Steps:
- Launch Microsoft Edge, then navigate to the webpage.
- In the upper-right corner, click the three-dot menu.
- Choose Apps > Install the app for this website.
- Click Install after giving the program a name.
You may now pin the website to your desktop or taskbar and find it in your Start menu.
3. Use Brave Browser to Create a Desktop App
Like Chrome and Edge, Brave allows you to create site-based apps.
Steps:
- Launch Brave, then navigate to the webpage.
- In the upper-right corner, click the three-dot menu.
- Choose “Create shortcut.”
- Click Create after selecting Open as window.
The shortcut will show up on your desktop and open in a separate window.
4. Use Safari on macOS (Add to Dock)
Although Safari lacks Chrome or Edge’s native app install feature, you may still make a desktop shortcut.
Steps:
- Launch Safari, then navigate to the website of your choice.
- To see your desktop, resize the window.
- From the address bar, drag the URL to your desktop.
- If you want, rename the shortcut.
- You can drag it into the Dock if you want to.
This makes the website look like a stand-alone app while opening it in Safari.
5. Use Third-Party Tools for Advanced App Wrapping
Third-party tools can be useful if you want extra features or more control.
Options:
- WebCatalog: Constructs native desktop applications for Linux, macOS, and Windows from websites.
- Combine several apps (like Gmail, Slack, and Trello) into a single dashboard with Franz or Rambox.
- Any webpage may be transformed into a legitimate macOS app with its own settings and icon by using the Fluid App (macOS).
Power users who desire independent app containers or persistent sessions will find these beneficial.
6. Launch and Pin the Web App for Quick Access
You can use the website just like any other software when it has been installed.
On Windows:
- In the Start menu, locate the application.
- To make a desktop shortcut or pin it to the taskbar, right-click.
On macOS:
- If the program was made with third-party tools, launch it using Launchpad or Finder.
- To make it easily accessible, add it to the Dock.
Conclusion
One clever method to expedite access to regularly frequented websites, such as email, project management tools, or dashboards, is to download the website as a desktop application. The procedure is simple and quick, regardless of whether you use Chrome, Edge, Brave, or a third-party app wrapper.
Select the approach that works best for your operating system and browser, and use specialized site-based apps to surf more quickly and intently.