LectionFree Tool

Web App Manifest Generator

Create a valid manifest.webmanifest file for a PWA, with app names, launch behavior, icons, and colors ready to copy or download for free.

Free PWA manifest generatormanifest.webmanifest JSONCopy or download
Free to runNo credit cardStructured results
Try:
Keep it compact for home screens and app switchers.
The page opened when the installed app launches.
The URL area treated as part of the app.
PNG icon URL, root-relative or absolute.
PNG icon URL, root-relative or absolute.

Use URLs for icons that will exist on the deployed site.

What is a web app manifest?

A web app manifest is a JSON file that describes how a website should appear and launch when a browser treats it like an installable web app. It commonly includes the app name, short name, icons, start URL, display mode, and colors.

This free web app manifest generator creates a focused manifest.webmanifest file for a progressive web app. It keeps the output readable and includes two common PNG icon sizes so you can review the exact values before publishing.

A manifest alone does not guarantee an install prompt. The file must be served from your site, linked with the correct HTML relationship, and paired with an app that meets the requirements of the browser and platform you target.

How to use a web app manifest

Step 1

Describe the app

Enter the full name, compact short name, and a description that matches the purpose of the deployed web app.

Step 2

Set launch behavior

Choose the start URL, scope, and display mode. Keep scope broad enough to cover the app routes users will open.

Step 3

Publish and test

Save the download as manifest.webmanifest, link it from HTML, confirm the icon URLs resolve, and test installation on your target browsers.

The generated file includes name for the full label, short_name for limited space, start_url for launch navigation, and display for the app-like window mode. The icon entries should point to real files on the same deployed origin or a permitted absolute URL.

For a quick check after publishing, inspect the page with the Favicon Checker and review related metadata with the Meta Tag Checker.

Common Use Cases

  • Creating a starter manifest for a progressive web app.
  • Preparing install metadata during a website or frontend migration.
  • Standardizing app icons, launch paths, and display preferences across environments.
  • Generating a reviewable manifest for a client, developer, or CMS handoff.
  • Checking that PWA metadata uses consistent names, colors, and icon paths.

FAQ

What is a free web app manifest generator?
It creates a manifest.webmanifest JSON file from app identity, launch, display, color, and icon fields. You can copy the JSON or download the file.
What should a web app manifest include?
A useful starter manifest usually includes name, short_name, start_url, display, icons, theme_color, and background_color. Add other members only when your app needs them.
Where do I put manifest.webmanifest?
Serve it from your website and reference it from the HTML with a link whose rel value is manifest. The exact path can vary, but the icon and launch URLs must resolve in the deployed app.
What is the difference between name and short_name in a PWA manifest?
name is the full app label. short_name is a compact alternative that browsers may use where space is limited, such as a home-screen label.
Should start_url and scope use absolute URLs?
Root-relative paths such as /dashboard are valid for apps hosted at the site root. Use paths or absolute URLs that match the deployed origin and intended navigation area.
Which display mode should I choose for a web app?
standalone is a common app-like choice. minimal-ui preserves a small amount of browser navigation, fullscreen hides more browser UI, and browser keeps the normal browser context.
Does a manifest make my website installable automatically?
No. Browsers apply their own installability checks, and your site also needs correctly served metadata, working icons, secure deployment, and an app experience that meets the target platform requirements.

Related Resources

Favicon Checker

Audit favicon, touch icon, and manifest icon coverage on a live page.

Open tool →

Meta Tag Checker

Review page titles, descriptions, canonical URLs, and social metadata.

Open tool →

Structured Data Extractor

Extract JSON-LD and schema.org data from a live page.

Open tool →

HTML to Markdown Converter

Convert page fragments into clean, reusable Markdown.

Open tool →

For repeatable web research and data workflows, explore the Lection home page or review workflow options on the pricing page.

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