One codebase, both platforms
A cross-platform desktop app lets you serve Windows and macOS users without building and maintaining two separate native applications. You write the app once, and the framework packages it into a proper installer for each operating system — an .exe or .msi for Windows, a .dmg or .pkg for macOS.
This is how a lot of the desktop software you already use is built. It keeps the feature set consistent across platforms and means a fix or a new feature lands everywhere at the same time instead of drifting between two codebases.
- Single codebase produces installers for Windows and macOS
- Consistent UI and features across both operating systems
- One team, one roadmap — no separate Windows and Mac backlogs
- Reuse existing web/JS or Rust skills instead of Swift plus C#
- Auto-update support so users stay on the current version
Choosing the framework: Electron vs. Tauri and friends
Electron is the most established option — mature, huge ecosystem, and it bundles a browser engine so behavior is predictable across machines. The tradeoff is a larger install size and higher memory use. Tauri is a lighter alternative that uses the system's built-in web view, producing much smaller apps, at the cost of a younger ecosystem and some per-platform rendering differences.
The right choice depends on what your app does. We'll recommend based on your performance needs, install-size sensitivity, and the skills your team already has — not a default preference.
- Electron: mature, consistent, larger footprint — safe default for complex apps
- Tauri: small, fast, lower memory — great when install size matters
- Both support native menus, file system access, tray icons, and notifications
- Framework choice affects app size, RAM use, and code-signing setup
- We can prototype in whichever stack de-risks your specific requirements
The parts people forget: signing, updates, and distribution
A desktop app isn't done when it runs on your machine. To ship without scary security warnings, Windows and macOS both expect the app to be code-signed, and macOS additionally requires notarization through Apple. Skipping these means users see 'unknown developer' blocks that kill trust.
We set up signing, notarization, auto-update, and a distribution path so your users install cleanly and get updates automatically. This is where a lot of DIY desktop projects stall, and it's part of the engagement, not an afterthought.
- Code signing for Windows and Apple notarization for macOS
- Auto-update channel so users don't reinstall manually
- Installer building for .exe/.msi and .dmg/.pkg
- Optional store distribution (Microsoft Store, Mac App Store) where it fits
- Crash reporting and versioning so you can support it after launch
More on cross-platform apps
Frequently asked questions
Will a cross-platform app feel as good as a native one?
For the large majority of business and productivity apps, yes — users won't be able to tell. Where it can show is in graphically intensive software or apps needing deep, platform-specific OS integration. We're honest during scoping about whether your app is in that minority; if it is, we'll say so and discuss options.
Do you also cover Linux?
Often yes. Electron and Tauri can both target Linux from the same codebase, so adding it is usually an incremental effort rather than a separate build. We'll confirm feasibility for your specific app during the consultation.
Can we reuse code from our website or web app?
Frequently, yes. Because these frameworks are web-technology based, existing UI components, logic, and design systems can often carry over into the desktop app, which shortens the timeline. We'll assess how much of your current code is reusable when we scope the project.