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Guide · Open source

How to use PakePlus: package a webpage as a desktop app

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

PakePlus is an open-source tool that wraps an existing webpage or front-end project, such as plain HTML, Vue or React, into a native-style app for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. The README describes it as lightweight, with packaged apps under 5MB and packaging taking a few minutes. This guide walks through installing the client, choosing between local packaging and GitHub Token packaging, and the cautions the project itself raises.

PakePlusSjj1024/PakePlus · ★ 15.6k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Download and install. Get the app from the release page at https://github.com/Sjj1024/PakePlus/releases, double-click to install, and run it.
  2. 2Pick a packaging method. Use local packaging with no Token, or set up a GitHub Token to build with GitHub Actions in the cloud.
  3. 3Create a project. Create a new project and set up its configuration.
  4. 4Point it at your site or build. Use your webpage, or a compiled Vue or React dist folder or index.html.
  5. 5Preview. Open the preview in a new window to check the app before publishing.
  6. 6Publish and download. Click the publish button to package the app, then download it from the release page.

Install PakePlus

Download the app from the release page, then double-click to install it and run it. The README also lists a web version you can use instead of the desktop client.

The README lists no prerequisites, and says there is no need to install complex dependencies locally.

  • Release page: https://github.com/Sjj1024/PakePlus/releases
  • Web version: https://pakeplus.pages.dev
  • Documentation: https://pakeplus.com/guide/

Choose local packaging or GitHub Token packaging

The README describes two ways to package. Local packaging needs no Token and no dependent environments, and the README says it takes about 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can configure a GitHub Token so that GitHub Actions in the cloud handles the build.

The README says the Token is stored only locally. It also notes that the packaged resources are stored in your own GitHub repository and can be viewed by anyone, so do not package content you are not allowed to distribute.

  • Local packaging: no Token needed.
  • GitHub Token packaging: uses GitHub Actions for cloud-based automatic packaging.
  • Beta Token permissions listed in the README: All repositories (fork a template repository), Actions, Administration, Contents, and Issues.
  • Classic Token permissions listed in the README: repo and workflow.
Explanation of Github Token permissions: 1. For the beta version, token permissions required: All repositories: Fork an original template repository Actions: Manage GitHub actions Administration: Fork and manage files in the repository Contents: Add, delete, modify, and find repository contents Issues: Submit issues to PacBao 1. For the classic version, token permissions required: repo: Fork and manage template code workflow: Compile and release your software

Create a project and preview it

Create a new project in PakePlus and set its configuration. The README points to a token guide if you use the GitHub Token route. The README says you can preview the app in a new window before packaging.

For a Vue or React project, the README says you can use the compiled dist folder or the index.html file. Static file packaging is supported.

  • Set up the configuration for the new project.
  • Preview the app in a new window to check it.
  • Use the dist folder or index.html from a compiled Vue or React build.

Package the app and download it

Once the preview looks right, click the publish button to package the app. When packaging finishes, download the result from the release page.

The README says debug mode is available to find bugs during preview or release.

  • Click publish to package.
  • Download the built app from the release page.

Use custom JavaScript and system APIs

PakePlus supports injecting your own JavaScript into the page you wrap, which the README suggests for automation, custom features, or hiding ads. The README also says JS scripts can call system-level APIs such as downloading files, executing commands and opening new windows.

The README does not detail how deep the native integration goes, so check the documentation before relying on specific native behaviour.

  • Inject custom JS into the wrapped site.
  • Call system APIs from JS scripts (the README gives downloading files, executing commands and opening new windows as examples).
  • Shortcuts, immersive windows and minimalist customization are listed as built-in features.

Fix the Mac "App is damaged" warning

The README says Mac users may see an "App is damaged" warning on installation. It advises clicking cancel, running a command, and then reopening the app. The exact command is not included in the README text available here, so follow the instructions in the official guide at https://pakeplus.com/guide/.

What people use it for

  • Turn an existing website into a desktop app with a custom look.
  • Package a Vue or React project as a desktop app without buying a server, as the README suggests.
  • Give internal company staff a dedicated client that restricts access to a site.
  • Inject custom JavaScript to automate tasks or hide ads on a site you own.
  • Wrap a Cocos or Unity project as a cross-platform client, as the README mentions.

Frequently asked questions

Is PakePlus free?

PakePlus is released under the MIT licence, according to the README and repository. The README also describes it as an MIT-licensed open source project.

What do I need to install PakePlus?

The README lists no prerequisites and says you do not need to install complex dependencies locally. You download the app from the release page and double-click to install.

Do I need a GitHub Token?

No. The README says local packaging needs no Token. A GitHub Token is optional and lets GitHub Actions handle packaging in the cloud.

Can PakePlus package Vue or React projects?

Yes. The README says it can wrap Vue or React projects, and it supports static packaging from a compiled dist folder or index.html.

What are the alternatives to PakePlus?

The project lists Electron, Tauri and Pake as comparable projects. The README claims PakePlus is much smaller than Electron, but it does not benchmark it against the others.

Why does my Mac say the app is damaged?

The README says macOS may show an "App is damaged" warning on install. It advises clicking cancel, running a command and reopening the app. Check the official guide for the exact command.

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Our verdict

PakePlus suits developers and owners of a website or Vue/React front end who want a small, quick desktop or mobile wrapper, especially with custom JavaScript. It is a weaker fit for projects that need deep native features the README does not detail, or for anyone who needs a documented security review or who lacks the rights to the content they package.

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