What is WEBMANIFEST?

Web App Manifest is a JSON configuration file for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) - defines how web apps appear when installed on devices. Specifies: app name, short_name (home screen), icons (multiple sizes for different contexts), theme_color (browser UI color), background_color (splash screen), display mode (fullscreen, standalone, minimal-ui, browser), start_url (launch URL), orientation (portrait/landscape), and more. Linked in HTML via: ``.

PWAs transform websites into app-like experiences - installable on home screens, work offline (service workers), send notifications. Manifest enables "Add to Home Screen" prompt. Popular PWAs: Twitter Lite, Pinterest, Starbucks, Uber, Spotify web. Benefits: no app store approval, instant updates, single codebase (web), smaller than native apps. Supported by Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari (iOS 11.3+). Critical for SEO and mobile engagement. Tools: Lighthouse (PWA audits), Workbox (service worker library). Used by millions of PWAs worldwide.

Did you know? PWAs can be installed without app stores - just visit the website!

History

W3C developed the Web App Manifest standard to enable Progressive Web Apps, transforming websites into installable, app-like experiences across platforms.

Key Milestones

  • 2015: W3C Manifest spec (first draft)
  • 2016: Chrome support (Android)
  • 2017: Edge, Samsung Internet support
  • 2018: Safari iOS support (limited)
  • 2019: Desktop PWA installation
  • Present: Universal PWA standard

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • App Metadata: Name, icons, colors
  • Display Modes: Fullscreen, standalone, browser
  • Home Screen: Installable web apps
  • Theme Colors: Browser UI customization
  • Orientation: Portrait/landscape lock
  • Start URL: Launch page specification

Common Use Cases

PWAs

Progressive Web Apps

E-commerce

Online stores, checkout

Media Sites

News, blogs, content

Social Apps

Twitter, Pinterest PWAs

Advantages

  • Installable without app stores
  • Cross-platform (iOS, Android, desktop)
  • Instant updates (no app store review)
  • Smaller than native apps
  • SEO benefits (indexed like websites)
  • Single codebase (web technologies)
  • Simple JSON configuration

Disadvantages

  • Limited iOS features vs Android
  • Requires service worker for full PWA
  • Less discoverable than app stores
  • Not all native APIs available
  • Browser support varies
  • Safari limitations on iOS

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .webmanifest
MIME Type application/manifest+json
Format JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
Standard W3C Web App Manifest
Typical Size 1-10 KB
Browser Support Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari (partial)

Common Tools

  • Generators: Web App Manifest Generator, Maskable.app
  • Testing: Lighthouse (Chrome DevTools), PWA Builder
  • Icon Tools: PWA Asset Generator (automated icon creation)
  • Frameworks: Next.js, Create React App (built-in manifest support)