how to make a website shortcut on desktop

The question of how to make a website shortcut on desktop is very closely related to “how to make a website a desktop icon” and essentially refers to the same process. It’s about creating a quick-access link directly on your computer’s desktop that, when clicked, opens a specific website in your default web browser. This functionality is driven by the operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and the web browser in use.

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The Purpose of a Desktop Website Shortcut

A desktop shortcut for a website offers several practical benefits for users:

• Quick Access: Eliminates the need to open a browser, type the URL, or navigate through bookmarks. It’s a single click.
• Convenience: For frequently visited sites (e.g., email, online banking, CRM, news sites, project management tools).
• Productivity: Speeds up workflows for web-based applications.
• Personalization: Customizes the desktop for individual needs.
• Visibility: Keeps important websites in plain sight.

Methods for Creating a Desktop Shortcut

As previously detailed under “how to make a website a desktop icon”, the methods largely depend on your operating system and web browser.

Here’s a recap and slight re-emphasis on the “shortcut” aspect:

• On Windows (Most Common Methods):

  • Drag and Drop from Browser (Simplest): how to make a website on google

    1. Open your browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.) and go to the website.

    2. Make sure the browser window is not maximized so you can see your desktop.

    3. Click and drag the icon to the left of the URL in the address bar (it’s usually a favicon or a padlock) onto your desktop.

    4. Release the mouse button.

An “Internet Shortcut” file (.url) will appear on your desktop.
* Why it’s a “shortcut”: It’s a small file that simply tells Windows to open the specified URL when clicked.
* Example: Dragging the padlock icon from your bank’s website to your desktop. how to make a website on canva

*   **Right-Click > New > Shortcut (More Control):**


    1.  Copy the full URL of the website you want to shortcut.


    2.  Right-click on an empty area of your desktop.


    3.  Select "New" from the context menu, then click "Shortcut."


    4.  In the wizard, paste the URL into the "Type the location of the item:" field. Click "Next."


    5.  Give your shortcut a descriptive name (e.g., "Company CRM," "My Favorite News"). Click "Finish."
    *   **Why it's a "shortcut":** This explicitly creates a shortcut file, allowing you to name it precisely from the start.
    *   **Example:** Creating a shortcut named "Project Management Tool" for `https://trello.com/my-project-board`.

• On macOS (Similar Drag and Drop):

  • Drag and Drop from Browser:

    1. Open Safari or Chrome and navigate to the website.

    2. Ensure your browser window allows you to see the desktop.

    3. Safari: Drag the favicon/globe icon from the address bar to your desktop. A .webloc file will be created. how to make a website a desktop icon

    4. Chrome: Drag the padlock/site info icon from the address bar to your desktop. A .url file will be created.

    • Why it’s a “shortcut”: These files are macOS’s equivalent of internet shortcuts.
    • Example: A designer creating a shortcut to their favorite stock photo website.

• Browser-Specific “Install as App” / “Create Shortcut” Features (Modern Browsers):

  • Google Chrome:

    1. Go to the website in Chrome.

    2. Click the three vertical dots (menu icon) in the top-right corner. how to make a website an app on iphone

    3. Go to “More Tools” > “Create shortcut…”

    4. In the dialog, give it a name and check the box for “Open as window” if you want it to behave more like a standalone application without the browser’s address bar.

    5. Click “Create.”

    • Why it’s a “shortcut” (and more): This creates a shortcut that can launch the website in a dedicated, often “frameless,” browser instance, making it feel more like a native app. This is particularly effective for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
    • Example: Turning your Google Docs dashboard into a direct desktop shortcut that opens in its own window.

  • Microsoft Edge:

    1. Go to the website in Edge. how to make a website for my business

    2. Click the three horizontal dots (menu icon) in the top-right corner.

    3. Go to “Apps” > “Install this site as an app.”

    4. Confirm the installation.

    • Why it’s a “shortcut” (and more): Similar to Chrome, this creates an app-like shortcut that integrates well with Windows (appears in Start Menu, can be pinned).
    • Example: Installing an online invoicing platform as an app for easy access.

Customizing and Managing Desktop Shortcuts

Once you have your website shortcut on the desktop, you can treat it much like any other file or program icon:

• Renaming: Click the icon once, then click the text below it (Windows) or press Enter (macOS) to rename it to something more intuitive.
  • Windows: Right-click > Properties > Web Document/Shortcut tab > Change Icon… You can select a system icon or browse for a custom .ico file.
  • macOS: You can copy an image (e.g., your logo as a PNG) and paste it onto the icon in the “Get Info” window of the .webloc file.
• Organizing with Folders: Create folders on your desktop (e.g., “Work Tools,” “News Feeds”) and drag your website shortcuts into them to keep your desktop tidy.
• Pinning to Taskbar/Dock:
  • Windows: Right-click the shortcut and select “Pin to taskbar.”
  • macOS: Drag the shortcut to the Dock.
• Deleting: Just like any other file, select the shortcut and press Delete or drag it to the Recycle Bin/Trash.

For website owners, understanding how to make a website shortcut on desktop is about educating your users. While you can’t force them to create a shortcut, you can encourage it for frequently used web applications or services. For PWAs, modern browsers even offer a subtle “install” prompt, making the process even smoother for the end-user. It’s a simple usability feature that significantly enhances the accessibility of your online resources. how to make a website for free