Transform Your Next.js Website into a Sleek Desktop App with Electron

Bringing your Next.js web project to the desktop is a smart move. Whether you want improved offline support, local data storage, or to reach users outside the browser, packaging your app as a cross-platform desktop application with familiar tech is completely possible.

This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for turning your Next.js site into a desktop app, focusing on Electron—a robust and widely-used platform for this purpose. All major links, tools, and commands are shared right where you need them.

Why Convert Next.js to Desktop?

• Platform reach: Deliver your app to Windows, macOS, and Linux users.
• Offline functionality: Empower features that work without an internet connection.
• Native integration: Add desktop notifications, local file access, and system tray support.
• No code rewrite: Use your existing React components and Next.js logic.

1. Prerequisites

Before you start:

• Node.js (v18+ recommended)
• npm, Yarn, or pnpm (choose your favorite package manager)
• A working Next.js app (or use create-next-app)

Tip: This guide uses npm for simplicity—substitute with yarn or pnpm as needed.

2. Choose Your Approach: Electron or Tauri?

🔹 Electron

• Most popular choice for React/Next.js desktop apps
• Large ecosystem and extensive documentation

🔸 Tauri

• Smaller and secure (built with Rust)
• Produces smaller binaries
• Tauri Documentation

We'll focus on Electron for maximum compatibility but mention Tauri at the end.

3. Quickstart: Create Your Electronized Next.js App

You have two great paths:

(A) From Scratch

• Create your Next.js project
• Add Electron manually

(B) Fastest Way: Nextron

Nextron automates Electron + Next.js integration and supports TypeScript.

Copynpx create-nextron-app my-desktop-app
# or with TypeScript:
npx create-nextron-app my-app --example with-typescript

4. Manual Integration: Adding Electron to Your Next.js Project

Step 1: Install Required Packages

Copynpm install --save-dev electron electron-builder electron-is-dev
npm install electron-next

Packages:

• electron
• electron-builder
• electron-is-dev
• electron-next

Step 2: Add the Electron Main Script

Create electron.js in your root:

Copyconst { app, BrowserWindow } = require('electron');
const path = require('path');
const isDev = require('electron-is-dev');
const prepareRenderer = require('electron-next');

let mainWindow;

app.on('ready', async () => {
  await prepareRenderer('./renderer');
  mainWindow = new BrowserWindow({
    width: 1280,
    height: 720,
    webPreferences: {
      nodeIntegration: true,
    }
  });

  const url = isDev
    ? 'http://localhost:3000'
    : `file://${path.join(__dirname, '/renderer/out/index.html')}`;

  mainWindow.loadURL(url);
});

More details in electron-next.

Step 3: Add Builder Configuration

Create electron-builder.yml:

CopyappId: com.yourcompany.yourapp
productName: MyNextDesktopApp
directories:
  output: dist
files:
  - .next/**
  - public/**
  - electron.js
mac:
  target: dmg
  category: your.app.category
win:
  target: nsis
linux:
  target: deb

5. Adjust the Next.js Setup for Desktop

• Convert getServerSideProps pages to static or run a server inside Electron.
• To export statically:

Copynpm run build
npm run export

• Move API logic to a Node/Express server or use Electron’s IPC for native integrations.

6. Development Workflow

Open two terminals:

Terminal 1: Next.js

Copynpm run dev

Terminal 2: Electron

Copynpx electron .
# or add a command like "npm run electron"

7. Build and Package Your App

Step 1: Build your app

Copynpm run build

Step 2: Package using Electron Builder

Copynpx electron-builder
npm run dist

Final builds are in the /dist directory.

8. Extra: Nextron (Zero Config)

Nextron simplifies everything:

Copynpx create-nextron-app my-desktop-app
cd my-desktop-app
npm run dev

Docs and templates: https://github.com/saltyshiomix/nextron

9. (Alternative) Tauri: Super-Lightweight Desktop Apps

Tauri is written in Rust and produces small, secure binaries.

• Tauri Official Site
• Tauri + Next.js Guide

Tauri is a great option for advanced users or those focused on performance.

Pro Tips & FAQs

Does SSR (getServerSideProps) work?

Only if you run a Node server inside Electron. Otherwise, use getStaticProps and export.

What about API routes?

Use Express or move logic to the main Electron process.

Is Electron heavy?

Yes, but it offers unmatched flexibility and native APIs.

Is it secure?

Follow Electron’s security guidelines.

Conclusion

You can now turn your Next.js app into a full-featured desktop application for Windows, macOS, and Linux using Electron. Tools like Nextron make it even easier. Tauri is a modern alternative if size and speed are top priorities.

By following these steps, you’ll enable offline support, native features, and local system integration—all with your existing Next.js codebase.

Now it’s your turn—build, ship, and let users enjoy your app natively!

Build your application and deploy on Nife — for a full walkthrough of building and deploying your site on Nife, click here.