Getting Started with Bubbledesk

Bubbledesk allows you to easily transform your web application into a cross-platform desktop application. With Bubbledesk, you can package your web app for macOS, Windows, and Linux, leveraging the power of Rust and Tauri to create lightweight and secure desktop apps.

Setting Up Bubbledesk

To get started with Bubbledesk, download the official desktop application from the Bubbledesk website or from the GitHub Releases page. Install the app on your machine and launch it to begin creating and testing your desktop builds.

Creating Your First Project

Follow these steps to create your first desktop app with Bubbledesk using the desktop application:

1. Open the Bubbledesk desktop app.
2. Enter the URL and other details of your web application in the provided fields.
3. Use the brudge modules at window.Bubbledesk within your web app to leverage native features.
4. Use the test mode to verify that everything works as expected before using the build credit (not reversible).
5. When you are ready, execute the final build and get the installers of your new desktop app.

On your web app, the bridge to native features is accessible globally via window.Bubbledesk (browser-side), allowing seamless integration with native modules, so you won't have to rebuild your applicaiton to use other native features, they are all accessible on your web app via Bubbledesk.*.

Most configuration settings on the other hand, can't be changed after building the desktop app, therefor make sure you test everything before deploying a build.

Building for Platforms

Bubbledesk supports building your app for multiple platforms with the following output formats:

Platform	Output Format
macOS	.dmg
Windows	.exe
Linux	.AppImage or .deb

Using the Dashboard

From the frontend dashboard within the Bubbledesk desktop app, you can manage your apps through an intuitive visual interface, no coding required. This makes it easier to control and customize your desktop app without diving into complex configuration files.

Notes

TIP

Explore the documentation for the Bridge modules to extend your app’s functionality and integrate native features seamlessly.

WARNING

The first build may take some time as Rust and Tauri components will compile during the first build process executed by the desktop builder. Please be patient!