This article will guide you through the process of turning your favorite website into a desktop shortcut using Google Chrome's "Create shortcut" tool. With this feature, you can create custom desktop apps that open to specific webpages or install progressive web apps (PWAs). These can be pinned to your taskbar or Dock for quick access.

Tips to Turn Your Favorite Website into a Desktop App

To get started, open Google Chrome and navigate to the website you want to turn into a desktop app. Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the browser window and hover over "Save and share." Click on "Create shortcut" from the dropdown menu.

Steps to Create a Desktop Shortcut

  1. Open Google Chrome and navigate to the website you want to turn into a desktop app.
  2. Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the browser window and select "Create shortcut" from the dropdown menu.
  3. A new window will open, allowing you to rename the webpage if desired. Check the box for "Open as window" if you want the shortcut to open in a new page instead of a new tab.
  4. Click on the blue "Create" button to create the desktop shortcut.

How to Pin Your Desktop Shortcut

Once you've created your desktop shortcut, you can pin it to your Start menu or taskbar (Windows) or Dock (Mac) for easy access. To do this:

  • On Windows, right-click the shortcut on your desktop and select "Pin to Start."
  • On Mac, drag the shortcut onto the Dock and wait for a space to appear before releasing it.

Creating a Progressive Web App (PWA)

If you want to create a PWA from your website, follow these steps:

  1. Open the website in Google Chrome.
  2. Click on the "Install" icon in the address bar. A pop-up menu will open.
  3. On Android, select "Add [website] to Home screen."
  4. The PWA should open automatically in a new window, acting as its own application separate from the Google Chrome browser.

Deleting a PWA (Optional)

If you no longer want a PWA on your device, follow these steps:

  • On desktop:

+ Launch the PWA.

+ Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner and select "Uninstall [website]..."

+ Confirm that you want to remove the PWA.

  • On Android:

+ Open Settings.

+ Tap "Apps & Notifications."

+ Tap "See all apps."

+ Tap the PWA.

+ Tap "Uninstall."

Conclusion

Transforming your favorite website into a desktop app is a simple process using Google Chrome's "Create shortcut" tool. With this feature, you can create custom desktop apps that open to specific webpages or install PWAs for quick access. Follow the steps outlined in this article to turn your favorite website into a desktop shortcut and start enjoying the benefits of swift app development.