Save time with Chrome Web Apps

Pin your favourite websites to your task bar

December 17, 2023

Lost among too many Chrome tabs?

Before setting up web apps, I would often get lost in too many open browser tabs (where is it?!?) Now, I can quickly launch the websites I need and get back to them very efficiently.

Contents

What is a Chrome Web App?

A Chrome Web App is a way to make web-based applications (like Hubspot, Canva, or Xero) act more like desktop apps (like Microsoft Word, or even Chrome itself!)

Once the web app has been created, your favourite website will have its own window, and the icon for that website will be shown in your taskbar too.

You’ll be able to launch that website quickly from the taskbar. And more importantly, when trying to find your way back to that website throughout the day - it will be at your fingertips. No more wading through 3-5 Chrome windows and 10-30 Chrome tabs trying to find the open tab you need!

How to Create a Chrome Web App

Setup will take a few minutes per website, but this one-time process will save you time every day moving forward.

  1. Open Chrome and navigate to the website you want easy access to

  2. Click on the three vertical dots in the top right-hand corner

  3. Click More tools, then Create shortcut

  4. Update the name if desired (choose something short)

  5. Check the box for Open as window, then click Create

  6. Right-click on the icon in your taskbar and click Pin to Taskbar

  7. (optional) Find the icon on your desktop, right-click it and click Delete

Video demo

Prefer to watch a video demo? This YouTube video walks through the same content. If you watch it on YouTube you can jump around using the timestamps in the description.

FAQ

Q: What about websites that open additional tabs like Xero or UKG Pro?

As you work in the web app window, any new tabs will open in a separate, typical Chrome window. Think of the web app window as your primary or anchor tab.

Q: How can I copy the URL or website address? It’s hidden!

If you need access to the URL or specific website address, you can click on the three vertical dots in the top right-hand corner and click Copy URL.

Q: There’s another Chrome feature I need, how can I turn a Web App back into a normal tab?

Click on the three vertical dots in the top right-hand corner and click Open in Chrome.

I hope this was helpful! Feel free to ask a question in the comments.

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