Google Chrome has a neat feature that lets you create web app shortcuts to run web apps in their own window, without the usual toolbars and interface of a browser. This means that you can pick and choose your favourite web apps and "install" them as native apps on your computer. These native apps will launch in their own window and function like any other program.

Web apps these days are pretty impressive, from text and Markdown editors to music players and even development environments. With Chrome, you can create application links to your favourite web apps.

How to create a web app shortcut in Chrome

  1. In Chrome, navigate to the web app that you'd like to create an application shortcut for.

    For example, go to simplenote.com for the note-taking app Simplenote.

  2. If required, log in to the web app.

    Logging into Simplenote brings you to app.simplenote.com, which is where we want our application shortcut to lead. You want your application shortcut to point to the app itself, not a login or introduction page.

  3. In Chrome, click the Menu button, then under More tools, click Create application shortcuts.

    Chrome will ask you where you want to create shortcuts. These options will differ depending on your operating system. Desktop is usually a pretty safe choice).

  4. Select where you would like shortcuts to be created and click OK. Chrome will create one or more shortcuts to the web app on your computer.

Simplenote as a native app

When you launch a web app shortcut, the app will open in its own window, without the Chrome browser interface. You can move the web app shortcut anywhere you like on your computer and it will still work. I would suggest moving it off your desktop.

Adam Hollett's face against a dark wood background

Adam Hollett is a developer and technical writer at Shopify in Ottawa, Ontario.