What is a Web App Manifest?

A Web App Manifest is a simple JSON file that provides metadata about your web application. It tells browsers how your app should behave when installed on a device, enabling features like:

Add to Home Screen on mobile
Custom icons and theme colors
Standalone display mode (removing browser UI)
Splash screens for a native-like experience

Without a manifest, your site can’t be fully installable as a PWA.

Why is it Important?

Branding: Control your app’s name, colors, and icons.
Installability: Meet browser requirements for “Add to Home Screen.”
Better UX: Provide a consistent, app-like experience.
SEO & Engagement: PWAs often improve user retention and performance.

How Does It Work?

You create a manifest.json (or .webmanifest) file with properties like:
- name, short_name
- start_url
- display (e.g., standalone)
- theme_color, background_color
- icons (various sizes)
Link it in your HTML:
The browser reads it and uses the data to:
- Show install prompts
- Generate splash screens
- Apply theme colors

How to Set It Up in Astro

Option 1: Use `astro-webmanifest` (Simple & Automatic)

Install the integration:
```
npm install astro-webmanifest
```

Configure in astro.config.mjs:

import { defineConfig } from 'astro/config';
import webmanifest from 'astro-webmanifest';

export default defineConfig({
  integrations: [
    webmanifest({
      name: 'My Astro App',
      short_name: 'AstroApp',
      description: 'A PWA built with Astro',
      start_url: '/',
      display: 'standalone',
      theme_color: '#3367D6',
      background_color: '#ffffff',
      icon: 'src/images/icon.svg'
    })
  ]
});

Build your project:
```
npm run build
```
The plugin generates:
- manifest.webmanifest
- Multiple icon sizes
- <head> tags for manifest and icons

Option 2: Use `@vite-pwa/astro` (Full PWA with Offline Support)

Install:
```
npm install -D @vite-pwa/astro
```

Configure:

import { defineConfig } from 'astro/config';
import AstroPWA from '@vite-pwa/astro';

export default defineConfig({
  integrations: [
    AstroPWA({
      registerType: 'autoUpdate',
      manifest: {
        name: 'My Astro App',
        short_name: 'AstroApp',
        start_url: '/',
        display: 'standalone',
        background_color: '#ffffff',
        theme_color: '#3367D6',
        icons: [
          { src: '/pwa-192x192.png', sizes: '192x192', type: 'image/png' },
          { src: '/pwa-512x512.png', sizes: '512x512', type: 'image/png' }
        ]
      }
    })
  ]
});

Add icons to public/ and build your project.

How to Use It

Test in Chrome DevTools → Application → Manifest.
Install your app on mobile or desktop to verify icons and splash screens.
Combine with a service worker for offline support.

Final Thoughts

Adding a Web App Manifest to your Astro project is a small step with big benefits. It makes your site installable, improves user experience, and sets the foundation for a full PWA. Whether a full offline-ready setup, Astro makes it easy.

So finally you can make your website look like an app. on mobile.

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Photo 2025 09 09 00 17 46

Seng Seang Leng

Web Developer

Author

I’m a passionate Full-Stack Developer with experience in both front-end and back-end development. My focus is on building modern, scalable, and user-friendly web applications.

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