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Guide · Open source

How to use PakePlus-Android to turn a website into an app

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

PakePlus-Android is an open-source project that wraps a web page or a built web project, such as a Vue or React dist folder or an index.html file, into a native-style app for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS. This guide explains what it does, how to set up the GitHub token it depends on, how to package your first app, and where it has limits. You do not need a local native toolchain for the main workflow.

PakePlusSjj1024/PakePlus-Android · ★ 10.8k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Create a GitHub token. Follow the README's token guide and grant the beta or classic permissions it lists. Keep the token private.
  2. 2Download and install PakePlus. Get the app from the release page, double-click to install it and run it.
  3. 3Add the token and create a project. Enter your GitHub Token in the app, create a new project and set up its configuration.
  4. 4Preview the app. Open the preview in a new window to check that your site or compiled project loads correctly.
  5. 5Publish the build. Click the publish button to package the app through GitHub Actions.
  6. 6Download the result. When the build finishes, download the app from the release page and install it.

What PakePlus-Android does and who it suits

The README describes PakePlus as turning a webpage or static web project into a desktop or mobile app with a package size of about 5MB. It supports Mac, Windows and Linux, and it lists Android and iOS as supported targets.

It suits people who already have a website and want an app version without learning a full native toolchain, front-end developers with a compiled Vue or React project who do not want to run their own server, and beginners who prefer a visual interface over command-line builds.

  • Good fit: wrapping an existing site, a compiled Vue or React project, or a company site meant to be used through a dedicated client.
  • Poor fit: apps that need deep native features. The README only lists options such as shortcuts, immersive windows, minimalist customization and JS injection.
  • Poor fit: anyone who will not create a GitHub account and token, because the token is the core setup step.

Get a GitHub token before you start

The main workflow uses a GitHub Token so that builds run in GitHub Actions rather than on your own machine. The README says you do not need to install complex dependencies locally, and the token is stored only on your machine according to the feature list.

The README links to token guides in English, Simplified Chinese and Japanese. It lists different permissions for the beta and classic token versions. Check the current guide before you create the token, because the permission names are tied to GitHub's token screens.

  • Beta token permissions listed: All repositories (fork an original template repository), Actions (manage GitHub actions), Administration (fork and manage files in the repository), Contents (add, delete, modify and find repository contents), Issues (submit issues to PakePlus).
  • Classic token permissions listed: repo (fork and manage template code) and workflow (compile and release your software).

Download the app and create your first project

Download the app from the release page at https://github.com/Sjj1024/PakePlus/releases, double-click to install it, and run it. The README also offers a web version at https://pakeplus.pages.dev, which it describes as usable directly but less capable than the client.

Once the app is running, add your GitHub Token, create a new project and set up its configuration. After you add the token, PakePlus forks a PakePlus repository into your own GitHub account. Your future projects are created and compiled from that repository, so the README asks you not to delete it.

  • Preview the app in a new window before publishing.
  • Click the publish button to package the app through GitHub Actions.
  • When the build finishes, download the app from the release page.

Package a Vue, React or static site

PakePlus supports static file packaging. You can drop in a compiled dist folder or an index.html file from a Vue or React project to create a client app. The README does not describe the exact folder layout beyond these two inputs, so check the project guide in the release or documentation before you rely on a specific structure.

The README also mentions debug mode for finding bugs during preview or release, and automatic language detection that follows your system language.

  • Input options named in the README: a compiled dist folder or an index.html file.
  • Debug mode: available during preview or release, according to the README.
  • Interface: the README describes a visual UI aimed at beginners.

Fix the Mac 'App is damaged' warning

The README says Mac builds may show an 'App is damaged' warning on installation. It explains that the app is not signed with an official Apple signature, because the official signature costs $99 per year according to the README. Its workaround is to click cancel and run a command to remove the quarantine attribute, then reopen the app.

If you packaged your own app, replace the app name in the path with your app's name.

  • Click cancel on the warning.
  • Run the command below in Terminal.
  • Reopen the app.
sudo xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/PakePlus.app

Develop PakePlus locally (optional)

If you want to develop PakePlus itself on your computer, the README asks you to prepare your environment first, with Rust and Node installed. It links to the Tauri documentation for installation guidance. The README notes that if you are unfamiliar with these tools, the one-click packaging tool is the easier path.

The repository can be cloned with the command in the README. The README then lists pnpm commands for installing dependencies, running a development build with debug mode, and packaging the app.

  • Clone the repository with the command in the code block.
  • Install dependencies, start the dev build and package the app with pnpm commands.
git clone https://github.com/Sjj1024/PakePlus-Android # Install dependencies pnpm i # Local development pnpm run dev # Package the app pnpm run build

What people use it for

  • Wrap an existing website so it can be installed as a desktop or mobile app.
  • Package a compiled Vue or React project without renting a server.
  • Give internal staff a dedicated client that restricts access to a company platform.
  • Inject custom JavaScript into a site, for example to hide ads, as the README suggests.

Frequently asked questions

Is PakePlus-Android free?

The project is released under the MIT licence, according to the README and the item details. The README also notes that the official Mac signature costs $99 per year, which is why the Mac workaround exists. Check the repository licence file for the full terms.

Do I need to install Rust or Node to use PakePlus-Android?

No, the README says there is no need to install complex dependencies locally because packaging runs in GitHub Actions with your GitHub Token. Rust and Node are only required if you want to develop PakePlus itself.

Why does my Mac app say it is damaged?

The README says Mac builds are not officially signed, so macOS may show an 'App is damaged' warning. Click cancel, run the sudo xattr command in the guide, and reopen the app.

What is the GitHub Token used for?

The token lets PakePlus fork its template repository into your GitHub account and run packaging in GitHub Actions. The README says the token is stored only locally and your project stays in your own Git repo.

What are the alternatives to PakePlus-Android?

The item details list Tauri, Electron, Capacitor and PWA Builder as comparable projects. The README positions PakePlus as a lighter option than Electron and as an easier route than Tauri2 when the environment is too heavy.

Can PakePlus-Android build a native app with full device features?

The README lists shortcuts, immersive windows, minimalist customization and JS injection, but it does not describe deep native features. If you need those, a native toolchain or another framework is a better fit.

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Our verdict

PakePlus-Android suits people with an existing website or compiled Vue or React project who want an app with minimal setup and do not mind using a GitHub token. It is less suitable if you need deep native features or a signed Mac app, in which case consider Tauri, Capacitor or a native toolchain.

Install options & downloads