How to make a website an app on Mac: 7 best methods

Say goodbye to the chaos of browser tabs! This article introduces a variety of methods to turn common websites into Mac applications, improve efficiency and keep your Mac desktop in order.

In our daily work, we often use websites such as Gmail, Slack, and Trello. Add to other websites, the numerous tabs are dazzling. At this time, a site-specific browser (SSB) comes in handy, which can turn common websites into independent applications, neatly arranged in the Dock bar.

Here are a few ways to help you easily turn your website into a Mac app:

Create a web application	Recommended method
Need a simple native web application	Using Unite (based on Safari, lightweight)
Web applications that require Chrome/Edge functionality	Using Coherence X (based on Chromium)
Requires free options	Use Safari's "Add to Dock" feature
Prefer automation methods	Create a workflow web application using Automator
Need a cross-platform web application creator	Using Web2Desk (for macOS, Windows, and Linux)
Requires progressive web application (PWA) support	Install PWA with Chrome or Edge
Requires additional features such as multiple workspaces	Consider using WebCatalog (manage applications within its ecosystem)

Turn any website into a Mac app in seconds

Unite allows you to turn any website into a lightweight Mac app with full customization. Available on Setapp.

What is a site-specific browser?

A site-specific browser is like a website's dedicated browser. There is no need to open a regular browser and navigate to the website, just open the app on macOS Dock or Launchpad.

Creating a Mac Web App is like getting a simplified version of the browser. The website does not show all toolbars and extra buttons when it opens, and it feels more like a standalone app. This way, accessing common websites is very easy, and you can also get some convenient macOS features such as Dock icons and notifications.

How to convert any website into an app

It's easy to convert a website to a Mac app, but I like to explore different options because macOS has no universal method. I'll take you through the different applications you can use to create SSBs.

Unite — Build apps with customizable features

Unite is my favorite tool for creating web applications because it is simple and effective. It is a feature-focused app, so it makes everything smoother and faster.

To create a web application using Unite, you simply provide the URL and name of the new application. In most cases, you don't even need these, as Unite offers advice on over 70 most popular websites, including all major email clients. You just search or click on a website and Unite will create your app in seconds.

Besides simplicity, I also like the customization options the app offers. You can change the background color and icon shape, and you can even set the app to launch to the menu bar.

Here is how to convert web pages into apps using Unite:

1. Install and open Unite on your Mac.
2. Copy and paste the website URL into the application's search panel.
3. Click "Create an app named [Your Site URL]".

4. Name your app, customize its icons and colors, and select App Mode (optional).

5. Click "Create Application". You can now start it.

Unite saves the app to the "Applications" folder used by the regular app. You can then open it from the launch bar and add it to the Dock if you like.

Coherence X — Create apps with Chrome extensions and configuration files

Coherence X is similar to Unite, but it converts a website to a Chrome-based web application (Unite uses native Safari to simplify operations). It also offers more features, allowing you to select the add-ons you want to import, use incognito mode every time you open the app, and take advantage of Chrome-only features.

Here is how to create a website as an app on your Mac using Coherence X:

1. Install and open Coherence X.
2. Click "Create Application".
3. Enter the app name and URL, select the icon from the web or browser on your Mac > click "Next".

4. Select a browser, or click Download Browser to get a > Next step from the drop-down menu.

5. Select the add-on you want to import: extensions or configuration files.

6. Click Create Application > Show in Finder.

Tip If you want more control over browsing on your Mac, check out your guide on how to block websites and apps.

Safari — Build apps with Apple native

Apple also provides a native way to create site-specific browsers through Safari. It's much simpler than most alternatives, but it has limited functionality.

Here is how to make Safari pages into applications:

1. Open Safari and navigate to the desired web page.
2. Click File > Add to Dock.
3. Name the app and click Add.

Safari will automatically add new apps to the Dock.

Can you save website login information in apps created with Safari?

If you have activated iCloud Keychain on your Mac, you can save the website login details. Since it works on all Apple devices and apps, it will automatically fill in your username and password when you log in. If it doesn't work, check out your guide on how to fix the keychain issue.

Will cookies be transferred from Safari to the app?

When a new app is created, existing Safari cookies (only for this site) are transferred to the app. If you are already logged in, most sites will be logged in automatically. However, after the app is created, it runs independently - it won't share any data or settings with Safari.

Can you enable notifications?

You can enable notifications for websites that support push notifications, but they work differently than native apps. While you may see badges with the number of unread notifications, you won't receive real-time desktop notifications like you would with regular apps.

Automator — Building a custom web application workflow

Automator is not an application specifically used to create web applications, but it can do the job as well. Essentially, it will help you create a workflow that will open a specific web page using a dedicated browser window.

It's not the best tool for this job, but it works too if you like fiddling with your Mac as much as I do.

Here is how to convert a website to an application using Automator:

1. Open Automator by searching in Spotlight (Command Space).
2. Click "New Document".
3. Select Applications and click Select.
4. In the Library panel, locate and drag Get specified URL to the workflow area.
5. Click "Add" and enter the website URL you want to convert to the app.
6. Next, drag Show Web Page to the workflow area under Get specified URL.
7. Save the workflow as an application.
8. You can now double-click the saved application to launch the website in a separate window.

Fluid — Create website apps for free

Unlike Automator, Fluid is simple and easy to use and is specifically designed to convert websites into Mac apps. There is a free version, but you will need to pay $5 to get full screen mode, pinning the app to the status bar, and using Userscripts.

Here's how to make a website into an app on your Mac:

1. Download and install Fluid from its official website.
2. Open the app from the Launchpad or the Applications folder.
3. Enter the website name and URL, select the desired icon, and click Create.
4. Launch the app from the Applications folder and it will open as a separate window.

The app is easy to use, but hasn't been updated for years, so it's no longer one of my preferred methods for creating web apps. It also has errors on macOS Sonoma and Sequoia.

Web2Desk: Convert websites to apps online

Web2Desk is an alternative to web-based application construction, which is suitable for different operating systems. It is mainly aimed at enterprises, but individual users can also use the free version.

Here is how to create a web application using Web2Desk:

1. Go to the Web2Desl website.
2. Enter the website URL, application name, and icon, and select Operating System.
3. Click "Create desktop app".

You can unzip and open the app. However, please note that Web2Desk is also somewhat outdated, and its applications often experience "service unavailable" errors or cannot be opened at all. I only recommend using this method when using an older version of Mac (before Sonoma).

Should I consider using WebCatalog?

WebCatalog is another option you can use to create Mac apps from your website, but it works slightly differently. Instead of simply converting a website to a standalone app, it requires you to manage the app in its own ecosystem. It will provide some extra features like a separate workspace and multiple accounts, but you will need to install it to get your web app to work properly.

If you want a comprehensive option to install the app, it's good. However, some users have reported performance issues such as slow loading times, and it also doesn't provide a truly native Mac app experience.

What is a progressive web application? How to use them?

Most websites are websites. However, some of the websites we visit often are actually applications packaged in the form of websites. They are built using website technology, but they work the same way as regular applications. These are called progressive web applications (PWAs), and they have application-like functionality from the very beginning. They can work offline, send push notifications, and perform certain tasks in the background.

Some key features of PWA include:

• Offline access: PWA can work offline or with limited network connections, allowing users to continue interacting with applications even without internet access.
• Push Notifications: They can send push notifications to help keep users engaged, just like regular apps.
• Background tasks: PWA can perform certain tasks in the background, such as synchronizing data or updating content.

To know if a website is a PWA, simply access it using a Mac browser such as Chrome or Edge (Safari does not support PWA yet). You will get a one-click installation option.

PWA Example

If you are not familiar with PWA, here are some examples you can check out:

• Pinterest: Pinterest's PWA makes browsing inspiration boards and saving pins faster and smoother. Since the platform is based on images, it can be slow, but Pinterest PWA optimizes everything and makes browsing smooth even when the internet is slow. It's much faster than regular websites and traditional applications.
• Spotify: If you don't want to deal with Spotify's desktop apps, but still want to avoid looking for tabs in your browser, this is a perfect middle-hand solution. Its functions are almost the same as native applications, but uses fewer system resources.
• Starbucks: For most people, loading desktop apps to place orders is not ideal, so Starbucks simplifies operations with PWA. It loads much faster than the browser, allowing you to create orders easily. It is perfect for low bandwidth connections.

Create a Mac website app: Now you know the method

A site-specific browser is a great way to keep your common website organized and accessible. They save time and effort by simplifying workflows, helping you avoid digging in countless tabs.

Safari provides an easy way to create Mac apps from a website, but you can check out Unite, which allows you to create more "complete" web apps. If you want to use the advanced features offered by Chrome, Coherence X is another great option, both apps are available on Setapp. This is my preferred alternative app store because it offers dozens of useful Mac apps under one subscription. Free trial for seven days.

FAQ

How to save web pages as app icons in Apple?

To save a webpage as an app icon in Apple, use Unite or Coherence X to make any website into a standalone web app. If you want an easier and less customization method, open the website in Safari and go to File > Add to Dock.

How to make a website into an app icon on your Mac?

You can use Safari to make your website into app icons on your Mac. Open the website and go to File > Add to Dock. Alternatively, you can use third-party apps such as Unite to create more comprehensive and customizable web apps.

How to install PWA on Safari?

You cannot install a PWA on Safari because it does not support PWA yet. It allows users to create web applications, but these applications have limited functions and do not have all the functions of PWA. You need to install PWA on your Mac using Chrome or Edge.

How to make the link open in the app instead of Safari?

When creating a web application, the first time you click the link, you should prompt you to choose the opening method. Otherwise, you can use a tool like OpenIn or set up a custom URL handler in your macOS settings.

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