Have you ever wished that a website you use frequently would work like an app installed on your computer? Thanks to Google Chrome, this is totally possible. This browser is not only for surfing the Internet; it also allows transform any website into a functional desktop application that you can dock, run, and open as if it were native software.
The functionality to convert a website into an app is available in both standard versions of Chrome and more advanced versions such as Chrome Canary.Although this tool has been around for a while, it remains unknown to many users. Let's discover all the possible ways to create web apps from Chrome, how they behave, what advantages they have, and how you can get the most out of them.
What is a web app or progressive web application (PWA)?
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a website that functions as a browser-independent application.. Although it opens with browser technology, It runs in its own window, without tabs, address bar, or other browser elements., providing an experience much closer to that of a native app.
These applications can enjoy advanced functionalities such as access to notifications, storage local, offline operation, integration with the operating system and the ability to start automatically with the system. Also Access is via an icon on the desktop or the application menu, with its own name, icon and even settings.
How to turn any web page into an app using Chrome
The procedure to transform a website into an application is extremely simple and accessible to any user. No technical knowledge or additional installation required.
Basic steps to create an app from Chrome on desktop (Windows, Mac or Linux):
- Opens Google Chrome and access the website you want to convert into an app (for example Spotify, Gmail, or YouTube).
- Click on the three vertical dots icon located in the upper right corner of the browser.
- Select “More Tools” and then click “Create Shortcut.”
- A window will open in which you can change the name of the access and, very importantly, check the “Open as window” option.
- Click “Create” and a new icon will automatically be added to your desktop or application menu.
This shortcut simulates an application and can be pinned to the taskbar, opened as a standalone window, and even maintains active sessions and browser extensions.
In addition, the option of install web apps from Chrome It is also very useful for those who rely on online tools.
What advantages do these types of applications offer?
Converting a website into an app with Chrome is not only convenient, it is also visually and functionally advantageous.Some of the main reasons for using them are:
- Separation of duties: You can have multiple web apps open without mixing tabs or sessions from the main browser.
- Better aesthetics and minimalist interface: Without bars or tabs, the application appears as a separate window.
- Shortcuts with custom icons: can be easily pinned to the start bar or desktop.
- Data persistence: Sessions are maintained, as are your browser extensions.
- Independent notifications: many apps like Gmail, WhatsApp Web or Spotify show alerts without having Chrome open.
- System Integration: They appear in the list of installed apps, with the option to remove them from Chrome or the start menu.
It is also important to mention that There is no limit to the number of web apps you can create, although each one runs as a new Chrome process and can consume resources if you have many open.
What are the differences between a PWA and a manually created web app?
In the previous examples, we've discussed how to manually transform any page into an app. But there's a more advanced level when websites are optimized to automatically function as PWAs.
When a site meets certain technical requirements (such as having a manifest.json, being served over HTTPS, having a service worker, etc.), Chrome displays a special icon in the address bar with the automatic option to “Install as an app.”
These sites offer additional benefits:
- They are easier to install.
- They work even without a connection (offline mode).
- They store content locally and run faster.
- They are better integrated with the operating system.
- Some may receive push notifications or allow access to hardware (such as a camera or microphone).
Well-known examples of PWAs are Google Docs, Google Maps, Twitter Mobile or Notion. However, Most current websites are not developed as PWAs, so this functionality is still limited..
For those interested in additional functionality, it is important to know how Block apps to improve your experience.
Enable Universal Install in Chrome Canary
Chrome Canary, the experimental version of Google Chrome, allows you to try out new features before other usersOne of those features is universal web app installation, allowing you to install any site as an app, whether it's optimized as a PWA or not.
To enable this feature:
- Open Chrome Canary.
- Access the following URLs and activates both functions:
chrome://flags/#web-app-universal-installchrome://flags/#shortcuts-not-apps
After restarting your browser, you can install any website from the “Save & Share > Install” menu., without depending on it being a PWA.
Managing, configuring, and removing these apps
Once created, Apps can be managed directly from Chrome. To do this, enter in the address bar chrome://apps and you will see the complete list of applications created.
From this panel you can:
- Execute them.
- Create new shortcuts.
- Change how they open (for example as a window or in a tab).
- Uninstall them easily by right-clicking and selecting “Delete”.
Additionally, from this section you can choose whether apps should open at startup and even configure aspects such as storage, permissions, or notifications.
What if we use Chrome on a mobile device?
Chrome also allows Create shortcuts to websites simulating apps on AndroidThe procedure is slightly different but just as simple:
- Open Chrome and access the desired website.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select “Add to Home Screen”.
- Edit the name if you wish and click “Add.”
The icon will appear alongside the rest of the applications, and when opened, it will load as if it were an app, in a separate window without any browser elements.
On iOS devices, however, this option isn't fully available in Chrome, but it is in Safari. From the sharing menu, you can select "Add to Home Screen" and a similar icon will be created.
These “pseudo-apps” also take advantage of caching, allow for faster browsing, and keep the session active without having to open the full browser.
With the increasing adoption of progressive web apps and features like those offered by Chrome, The future clearly involves reducing dependence on heavy installations and giving prominence to intelligent websites that act as software.Creating an app from a web page with Chrome is a fast, powerful, and accessible solution for anyone.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.