Compatibility:

WebSite X5 Evo and Pro

With WebSite X5, you can offer users the ability to install your website as an app on their smartphone, thanks to PWA – Progressive Web App technology. Once installed, the site can be opened directly from the home screen, with an optimized interface and without going through the browser.


This solution is particularly beneficial for an e-commerce site, as it allows faster access and improves the browsing experience, increasing the chances that users will return and complete a purchase. But it’s also effective for any other type of website—blog, portfolio, or company site—where it can enhance content usability and user retention.


One of the biggest advantages is that there’s no need to go through the stores (like the App Store or Google Play): installation is simple, immediate, and happens directly from the browser. It’s a practical and effective way to strengthen your online presence and offer a modern, smooth, and professional user experience.


What is a PWA?

A PWA (Progressive Web App) is a website designed to offer an experience similar to that of a traditional app. It can be installed on the user’s device, run in full screen, and in some cases even work offline.


Unlike native apps, however, it doesn't require going through an app store: installation happens directly from the browser, simply and immediately. It's a lightweight solution, compatible with all major devices, and ideal for improving the accessibility and usability of your website.


How to offer site installation as an App

To allow users to install your site as an app, you don’t need to do much:

  • Go to Step 1 - General Settings and open the General Information section.
  • Enable the option Show banner to install the App on mobile device.
  • Enter the required information:
    • Short name: the name of the App icon that will appear on the device’s home screen.
    • Theme color: the color used for the browser window in which the site is displayed.


Once the site is published online, users will see a banner directly in their browser inviting them to install the App.


#tip – Also on Desktop. Although the PWA feature is primarily designed for mobile devices, it is also fully compatible with desktop. Users can install the site as an app from their desktop browser as well, getting a native-like experience in a dedicated window, without the address bar.


What the user sees

Once the website is published online with the PWA function enabled, the user will see a message or an icon in the browser inviting them to install it. The display mode may vary depending on the device and browser used.


On Android devices, for example, the browser automatically suggests adding the site to the home screen. On desktop, the option may be accessible from the browser's address bar.


Tips for a website designed as a PWA

If you plan to create a website that will also be offered as a PWA, there are some precautions you can take to ensure an effective result. These are not technical requirements, but best practices that improve the user experience:

  • Keep the structure simple and clean to ensure fast loading times and smooth navigation, even on mobile devices.
  • Avoid relying on non-essential external content, such as third-party widgets not optimized for mobile or heavy scripts, as these can slow down loading or impair the app’s performance.
  • Optimize images and reduce resource sizes to speed up the initial page load.
  • Check content readability on both small and large screens: the site will open as an app, so it must be fully usable even without the browser bar.
  • Ensure all essential features are available from the first load, even without an internet connection (if possible), or provide a clear fallback message.


These simple precautions will help you deliver a more consistent, professional, and pleasant experience to users who install your site as an app.