How to Use the 'pake' Command (with Examples)

Pake is a versatile command-line tool that turns any webpage into a desktop application seamlessly using Rust/Tauri. This open-source utility allows users to create lightweight desktop applications from websites, offering additional customization such as defining the window size, setting custom application icons, enabling fullscreen view, and more. Pake provides a powerful yet simple way to deliver web content in a native application format, which can be particularly useful for developers and users who want to interact with web applications like native apps.

Use Case 1: Package a Web Page

Code:

pake https://www.google.com/

Motivation: Packaging a webpage into a desktop application can enhance user experience by providing convenient, direct access to frequently used web services without the need to open a web browser. It allows users to treat web-based tools like native software.

Explanation:

• pake: The command itself that initiates the process of creating a desktop application.
• https://www.google.com/: The URL of the webpage you wish to package into an application. Here, Google is used as an example.

Example Output: Upon executing the command, a new desktop application for Google’s homepage is created, allowing you to launch it directly from your operating system’s application menu like any other program.

Use Case 2: Package a Web Page with a Specific Window Size

Code:

pake --width 800 --height 600 https://www.google.com/

Motivation: Setting a specific window size can be crucial for web applications that require a certain resolution for optimal viewing. For instance, if an app’s design is best suited for 800x600 pixels, this customization ensures that the app opens in the ideal dimensions every time.

Explanation:

• --width 800: Specifies the width of the window in pixels.
• --height 600: Specifies the height of the window in pixels.
• https://www.google.com/: The URL of the webpage to be packaged.

Example Output: A desktop application with Google’s homepage opens in a window sized precisely at 800x600 pixels, ensuring consistent, optimal display for specific needs or preferences.

Use Case 3: Package a Web Page with a Custom Application Name and Icon

Code:

pake --name Google --icon path/to/icon.ico https://www.google.com/

Motivation: Customizing the application name and icon is essential for branding and differentiation. This option is especially useful for developers or businesses that want to personalize the appearance of the web app on users’ systems.

Explanation:

• --name Google: Sets the application name to “Google”.
• --icon path/to/icon.ico: Uses the specified icon file as the application’s icon.
• https://www.google.com/: The URL of the webpage to convert into an application.

Example Output: The resultant application is named “Google” and displays the custom icon specified, providing a professional touch and ease of identification among other applications.

Use Case 4: Package a Web Page with a Non-Resizable Window

Code:

pake --no-resizable https://www.google.com/

Motivation: Creating a non-resizable window can be important for applications that should remain in a fixed aspect ratio. This ensures that the layout or functionality of the app isn’t disrupted by resizing.

Explanation:

• --no-resizable: This flag prevents users from resizing the application window.
• https://www.google.com/: The URL to be packaged.

Example Output: The Google homepage is packaged into a desktop application with a fixed size window, preventing any accidental resizing that might affect its usability.

Use Case 5: Package a Web Page with Fullscreen Mode

Code:

pake --fullscreen https://www.google.com/

Motivation: Full-screen applications immerse users fully, ideal for tasks requiring full attention or for apps where screen real estate is crucial, such as presentations or media players.

Explanation:

• --fullscreen: Launches the application in fullscreen mode by default.
• https://www.google.com/: The target webpage to be made into an app.

Example Output: The resultant application opens Google’s homepage in fullscreen mode, offering a distraction-free experience that utilizes the entire monitor.

Use Case 6: Package a Web Page with a Transparent Title Bar

Code:

pake --transparent https://www.google.com/

Motivation: A transparent title bar can make an application visually appealing and seamless, especially when blending in with other desktop elements or themes. This feature is useful for applications where aesthetic presentation is as important as functionality.

Explanation:

• --transparent: Makes the application’s title bar transparent.
• https://www.google.com/: The URL being packaged.

Example Output: The desktop application opens with Google’s webpage, featuring a sleek, modern look due to the transparent title bar, adding to the user interface’s aesthetic appeal.

Conclusion

The pake command provides an exceptional toolset for converting web applications into desktop apps, allowing for numerous customizations to enhance usability and visual appeal. Whether you’re a developer looking to distribute a web app, or a user wanting seamless web integration on your desktop, pake offers flexibility and ease of use, turning webpages into fully functional desktop experiences.