How to Use Web App Manifest to Make Your PWA Installable

A Progressive Web App (PWA) enhances user experience by combining the best features of both web and mobile applications. One essential component in making your PWA installable is the Web App Manifest. This article outlines how to effectively use the Web App Manifest to ensure your PWA can be added to a user's home screen, providing a seamless native app experience.

What is a Web App Manifest?

The Web App Manifest is a simple JSON file that gives information about your PWA in a standardized format. It allows you to define how your app appears to users, including its name, icons, and how it should behave when launched. By using a manifest, you can provide metadata that enhances the user experience and makes your app more discoverable.

Creating the Web App Manifest

To create a Web App Manifest, you need to follow these steps:

Create a manifest file: Create a JSON file named manifest.json in the root directory of your project.
Add metadata: Populate the manifest file with key attributes. Here’s a sample manifest:

{
  "name": "My App",
  "short_name": "App",
  "start_url": "/index.html",
  "display": "standalone",
  "background_color": "#FFFFFF",
  "theme_color": "#000000",
  "icons": [
    {
      "src": "icons/icon-192x192.png",
      "sizes": "192x192",
      "type": "image/png"
    },
    {
      "src": "icons/icon-512x512.png",
      "sizes": "512x512",
      "type": "image/png"
    }
  ]
}

Essential Manifest Fields

Here are some critical fields to include in your manifest:

name: The full name of your app.
short_name: A shorter name for your app, displayed on the home screen.
start_url: The URL that loads when the app is launched from the home screen.
display: Determines the display mode of your app. Use standalone for a native feel.
icons: Specifies the app icons. Include different sizes for various devices.
background_color: The color of the background during the app's loading phase.
theme_color: Sets the color of the browser's address bar when the app is launched.

Linking the Manifest in HTML

After creating the manifest file, you need to link it within the HTML of your web application. Add the following line inside the <head> section of your HTML file:

<link rel="manifest" href="/manifest.json">

This link informs the browser about your app’s manifest, enabling it to retrieve key information to make your PWA installable.

Testing Your Web App Manifest

After setting up your manifest, you should test it to ensure everything is working as expected. You can use tools like:

Google Chrome DevTools: Open the application panel in DevTools to check your manifest and make sure it is loading correctly.
PWA Manifest Validator: Use online validators to check for errors in your manifest file.

Prompting Users to Install Your PWA

Once your manifest is correctly set up, you can prompt users to install your PWA. Use the beforeinstallprompt event to show a custom installation prompt. This approach allows you to provide users with specific reasons to install your app.

window.addEventListener('beforeinstallprompt', (e) => {
  e.preventDefault();
  // Store the event for later use
  deferredPrompt = e;
  // Update UI to notify the user they can install the PWA
});

Conclusion

Utilizing the

How to Use Web App Manifest to Make Your PWA Installable