DenchClaw PWA: Use Your AI CRM Like a Native Mac App

DenchClaw runs in your browser at localhost:3100, but it doesn't have to feel like a browser tab. By installing it as a Progressive Web App (PWA), you get a standalone window without browser chrome, a dedicated app icon in your Dock, keyboard shortcut launch, and a native-feeling experience — all without downloading anything from an app store or running Electron.

This guide covers how to install the DenchClaw PWA, what you get from it, and why it's better than using it as a browser tab.

What Is a PWA?#

A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a web application installed on your device that runs in a standalone window, separate from your browser. From a technical perspective:

• The browser serves the app, but hides all browser UI (tabs, address bar, bookmarks)
• The app gets its own entry in your Dock, taskbar, or application launcher
• It runs in its own window that you can Cmd+Tab to like any native app
• It can load offline if the service worker has cached the app shell
• It receives its own notification permissions

DenchClaw is designed as a PWA-first application. The localhost:3100 URL isn't meant to be bookmarked in a tab — it's meant to be installed and launched like an app.

Installing the DenchClaw PWA on Mac#

Via Chrome / Chromium#

1. Open Chrome and navigate to http://localhost:3100
2. Look for the install icon in the address bar (a small computer/download icon on the right)
3. Click it and select "Install DenchClaw" (or "Install app")
4. DenchClaw opens in its own window and is added to your Dock

If you don't see the install icon:

1. Click the three-dot menu in Chrome (top right)
2. Look for "Cast, save, and share" → "Install page as app" or "Create shortcut"
3. Check the "Open as window" checkbox
4. Click "Create"

Via Arc Browser#

1. Navigate to http://localhost:3100
2. Click the share icon (box with arrow) in the toolbar
3. Select "Add to Dock" or "Install as App"

Via Safari on macOS#

1. Navigate to http://localhost:3100
2. Click the Share button (square with arrow)
3. Select "Add to Dock"

Safari's PWA support is more limited than Chromium — you won't get all PWA features, but you'll get the standalone window and Dock icon.

Via Edge on macOS#

1. Navigate to http://localhost:3100
2. Click the three-dot menu → "Apps" → "Install this site as an app"
3. Name it "DenchClaw" and click "Install"

What You Get From the PWA#

Standalone Window#

The PWA runs in a frameless window without any browser UI. No tabs. No address bar. No back/forward buttons cluttering the interface. DenchClaw's sidebar, views, and chat panel fill the entire window — it looks and feels like a native app.

Dock Icon#

DenchClaw appears in your Mac Dock with its own icon, separate from your browser. Cmd+Tab includes it in your app switcher. You can right-click → "Keep in Dock" for permanent placement.

Keyboard Shortcut Launch#

Once in your Dock, launch DenchClaw with:

• Cmd+Tab → select DenchClaw icon
• Or use Spotlight: Cmd+Space → type "DenchClaw" → Enter

No need to open your browser and navigate to localhost.

Window Management#

DenchClaw as a PWA supports full macOS window management:

• Resize, minimize, maximize
• Mission Control / Spaces integration
• Split View with other apps
• Stage Manager compatibility

Notifications#

When DenchClaw has notifications to send (new message, completed task, agent update), the PWA can show native macOS notifications with the DenchClaw app icon — they appear in your notification center alongside Mail, Calendar, and Messages.

PWA vs. Browser Tab: Comparison#

Offline Mode#

DenchClaw's service worker caches the app shell for offline use. This means:

• The UI loads even without an internet connection
• All locally-stored CRM data (DuckDB) remains accessible
• Features that require AI API calls (natural language queries, AI drafting) require connectivity

For a tool running on your local machine, offline mode is especially valuable — if your internet drops, you can still browse your CRM, view entries, edit records, and work with your local data.

The PWA on Multiple Machines#

If you run DenchClaw on multiple machines (work Mac and personal Mac), install the PWA on each. They'll have separate workspaces unless you sync the workspace directory via git or cloud storage.

For DenchClaw Cloud (dench.com), the managed hosted version can be installed as a PWA from a dench.com URL, giving you the same native-app feel with cloud sync.

Troubleshooting PWA Installation#

"Install" icon doesn't appear in Chrome:

• Ensure you're on http://localhost:3100 (not https)
• DenchClaw must be served with proper PWA manifest headers
• Try hard-refreshing: Cmd+Shift+R
• Check that manifest.json is accessible at localhost:3100/manifest.json

App doesn't open when clicking Dock icon:

• DenchClaw's local server must be running (npx denchclaw or the gateway must be active)
• Check that port 3100 is accessible
• The PWA is just a bookmark to localhost — it requires the server to be running

PWA shows old version after update:

• Hard refresh inside the PWA window: Cmd+R
• Or go to Chrome's app settings and clear cache

See also: DenchClaw Dark Mode and Theming for customizing your PWA appearance, and Keyboard Shortcuts for working faster in the standalone window.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Does the DenchClaw PWA work on Windows?#

Yes. Chrome, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers on Windows support PWA installation. The app appears in your Start menu and taskbar. The experience is similar to macOS.

Does the DenchClaw PWA work on Linux?#

Yes. Chrome on Linux supports PWA installation. The app appears in your application launcher.

What happens to the PWA if I update DenchClaw?#

The service worker handles updates automatically. When you open the PWA after an update, it detects the new version and refreshes. You may see a "Update available" prompt — accept it to reload with the latest version.

Can I install DenchClaw on an iPhone or iPad?#

Limited support. Add http://localhost:3100 to your iPhone's home screen via Safari's share menu. Because DenchClaw runs on your Mac, your iPhone must be on the same local network and use your Mac's local IP address. DenchClaw Cloud (dench.com) is better suited for mobile access.

Is there an Electron version of DenchClaw?#

No. DenchClaw is a PWA, not an Electron app. The advantage: no 200MB Electron download, no separate update process, no compatibility issues. The PWA provides a native-feeling experience without the overhead of a bundled browser.

Ready to try DenchClaw? Install in one command: npx denchclaw. Full setup guide →