How to run websites as apps with ease in Linux

Most of what we do happens from within a web browser. However, that doesn't mean we want every single page we use to run as yet another tab. If you're like me, those tabs can add up. And if you're not using a browser with a solid tab management feature (such as Opera's Workspaces – which is the best tab manager, hands down), those tabs can very quickly become overwhelming.

To that end, there are certain websites I prefer to open as web apps. What does that mean? Simply put, the site will run in its own window (minus all of the web browser accoutrements, such as tabs, menus, and the like) and can be launched directly from your desktop menu. 

That might sound familiar to anyone who's used the Chrome browser, as you can create a Shortcut to a site and have it open as its own window (Menu > More Tools > Create shortcut). Other browsers, such as Firefox, don't include such a feature.   

Also: The 5 best browsers for privacy

Because of that, you have to turn to a third-party piece of software that is capable of creating a web app out of any site with any browser. In Linux, that app is called Webapp Manager. This application is one of the many installed on Linux Mint, but can also be added to any Ubuntu-based distribution.

Let's get Webapp Manager installed and see how easy it is to create a web app from a site.

How to run websites as apps with ease in Linux

Requirements

The only thing you'll need for this is a running instance of a Ubuntu-based Linux distribution and a user with sudo privileges. That's it, let's make some desktop magic.

Installing Web App Manager

Create your first web app

And that's all there is to running websites as apps in Linux. If you want to separate certain sites from the standard web browser window, this is a great way to do it.