Applicationize

Note: Applicationize is no longer supported. Google Chrome has officially stopped running Packaged Apps, rendering Applicationize unusable. Google Chrome now comes with a built-in feature called Application Shortcuts. It basically makes it possible to convert any web page (or web app) into a desktop app by clicking the hamburger icon in the top right -> More Tools -> "Create Shortcut" and ticking "Open as window". It is recommended to migrate to using this built-in feature, or consider an alternative solution such as nativefier.

Applicationize converts your favorite web apps into desktop apps with their own dedicated launcher icon.

It generates a Google Chrome extension that embeds your favorite SPA web app and places a custom shortcut icon in your app launcher when you install it.

<a href="https://applicationize.me/" target="_blank">https://applicationize.me/</a>

Demo

Here's a screenshot of Facebook Messenger (messenger.com) running as an applicationized desktop app:

<br /> <img src="https://raw.github.com/eladnava/applicationize/master/public/img/preview.png" width="512" />

How to Use

1. Go to https://applicationize.me/now
2. Enter a URL to any web app, such as https://web.whatsapp.com/
3. Press Enter and download the generated Chrome extension
4. Open a new tab and navigate to chrome://extensions/
5. Drag the downloaded .crx file from its download folder to the extensions page to install it

That's it! Your applicationized web app is now available via your app launcher. We recommend pinning it to your application dock or system taskbar!

Keyboard Shortcuts

• <kbd>CTRL</kbd> / <kbd>CMD</kbd> + <kbd>[</kbd> to go back
• <kbd>CTRL</kbd> / <kbd>CMD</kbd> + <kbd>]</kbd> to go forward
• <kbd>CTRL</kbd> / <kbd>CMD</kbd> + <kbd>+</kbd> to zoom in
• <kbd>CTRL</kbd> / <kbd>CMD</kbd> + <kbd>-</kbd> to zoom out
• <kbd>CTRL</kbd> / <kbd>CMD</kbd> + <kbd>0</kbd> to reset zoom
• <kbd>CTRL</kbd> / <kbd>CMD</kbd> + <kbd>P</kbd> to print page
• <kbd>CTRL</kbd> / <kbd>CMD</kbd> + <kbd>F</kbd> to find in page
• <kbd>CTRL</kbd> / <kbd>CMD</kbd> + <kbd>R</kbd> to refresh the page
• <kbd>CTRL</kbd> / <kbd>CMD</kbd> + <kbd>L</kbd> to copy current page URL
• <kbd>CTRL</kbd> + <kbd>CMD</kbd> + <kbd>F</kbd> to enter full screen mode (<kbd>ALT</kbd> + <kbd>CTRL</kbd> + <kbd>F</kbd> on Windows)

Contributing

• If you find a bug or wish to make some kind of change, please create an issue first
• Make sure your code conventions are in-line with the project's code style
• Make your commits and PRs as tiny as possible - one feature or bugfix at a time
• Write detailed commit messages, in-line with the project's commit naming conventions

Running the Server

Run the following commands in the root directory of this project:

npm install
npm start

Then, visit http://localhost:8080/ to browse to your local instance of Applicationize.

Contributors

Thanks to the following individuals and organizations who help pay for hosting & domain renewal:

• @guidokok - Guido Bedarida
• Seam.es - we design & build for the web; stitch by stitch
• Fan Studio UK - we specialize in mobile game app development and gamification strategies for startups and enterprise clients

License

Apache 2.0