What does "install as an app" mean?
HelpyTools is a Progressive Web App (PWA). That means your browser can install it as a standalone application that:
- Opens in its own window, without the browser address bar or tabs
- Appears in your taskbar, dock, or home screen like any native app
- Loads fast — its files are cached on your device after the first visit
- Works offline for tools that don't need the internet
You don't download anything from an app store. The browser handles the installation directly from the website — and if you ever want to remove it, you uninstall it the same way you would any app.
The installed app opens your Toolkit — the page at /toolkit/ with your pinned tools. If you haven't set up My Tools yet, do that first so you have something useful waiting when you launch it.
The quickest way: the "Install app" button
Open your Toolkit and look in the sidebar for an Install app button (with a ⭳ download icon). It appears automatically on browsers that support one-click install — Chrome and Edge on desktop, and Chrome on Android. Click it, confirm the browser's prompt, and you're done.
The button won't show on Safari (which doesn't support one-click install) or if the app is already installed. The per-platform steps below cover every case if you don't see it.
Install on desktop (Chrome, Edge)
Chrome and Edge both support PWA installation on Windows and macOS. The fastest route is the Install app button in the sidebar (above) — the manual steps are here if you prefer them or don't see the button.
1. Open the Toolkit
Go to helpytools.com/toolkit/. Make sure you're on the toolkit page specifically — that's the scope the app installs from.
2. Click the install icon in the address bar
Look for a small install icon (⊕ or a monitor with a down arrow) on the right side of the address bar. Click it.
If you don't see the icon, open the browser menu (⋮ or ···) and look for Install HelpyTools Toolkit or Add to Desktop.
3. Confirm the installation
A dialog will appear asking to install "HelpyTools Toolkit". Click Install. The app opens immediately in its own window.
From now on, you can launch it from:
- The Start menu or taskbar on Windows
- Launchpad or the Dock on macOS
- The Apps section in Chrome (
chrome://apps)
Install on Android (Chrome)
Chrome on Android shows the same Install app button in the sidebar — tap that, or follow the steps below.
1. Open the Toolkit in Chrome
Navigate to helpytools.com/toolkit/.
2. Tap the banner or the menu
Chrome will usually show an "Add to Home Screen" banner at the bottom of the screen after a moment. Tap it.
If the banner doesn't appear, tap the Chrome menu (⋮) and choose Add to Home Screen.
3. Confirm
Tap Add on the confirmation screen. The HelpyTools icon will appear on your home screen. Tap it to launch the app in standalone mode — no browser chrome, full screen.
Install on iPhone or iPad (Safari)
Apple only supports PWA installation through Safari, not third-party browsers.
1. Open the Toolkit in Safari
Navigate to helpytools.com/toolkit/.
2. Tap the Share button
Tap the Share icon (the box with the arrow pointing up) at the bottom of the screen.
3. Choose "Add to Home Screen"
Scroll down in the share sheet and tap Add to Home Screen. You can edit the name if you want, then tap Add in the top right.
The app will appear on your home screen and open in a standalone window when launched.
What gets installed
The installed app is scoped to the Toolkit — helpytools.com/toolkit/. It opens directly to your personal workspace with your pinned tools ready to go. If you switch to a different section of the site from within the app, it will open in your default browser instead.
Your pinned tools are saved for offline use. Once you've opened the Toolkit online, every pinned tool works without a connection — handy on a plane or a patchy network. A tool you haven't pinned yet shows a short "you're offline" note until you reconnect.
The app stays up to date automatically. Because it's served from the web, every time you connect to the internet the latest version is fetched in the background — no manual updates, no app store.
Uninstalling
Desktop (Chrome/Edge): Open the app, click the ⋮ menu in the top-right corner of the app window, and choose Uninstall HelpyTools Toolkit.
Android: Long-press the icon on your home screen and choose Uninstall, or find it in your device's app settings.
iPhone/iPad: Long-press the icon on your home screen and tap Remove App.
Ready to install? Start at helpytools.com/toolkit/ →