📲 PWA / App install

VJam is primarily a no-install browser app. The safest path is to open https://vjam.art in your browser and use it there.

On supported browsers, you can also install VJam as a PWA (Progressive Web App). This is not a native App Store app. Think of it as an app-like shortcut plus browser caching.

Short version

Device	Recommendation
Mac / Windows / Chromebook	Installing from Chrome / Edge is OK
Android	Chrome's Add to Home screen flow works well
iPhone / iPad	Use normal Safari browser mode instead of installing

For VJ use, especially external output, recording, and stability, PC + Chrome / Edge is the safest setup.

What is a PWA?

A PWA lets a website behave more like an app.

Launch from the Home Screen, Dock, or app list
Sometimes opens without the normal browser tab UI
Can cache files so repeat loads may be faster
Still follows browser limitations

For VJam, installing does not remove the limits around WebGL, Web Audio, microphone access, file picking, recording, or MIDI. Those still depend on the browser and device.

Why not recommend it on iPhone / iPad?

iPhone and iPad can add websites to the Home Screen, but for VJam's live-use case the installed web app can be less predictable.

Audio, mic, and playback may only start after a user tap
Safari has stricter audio behavior
Cache and reload behavior can feel different from normal Safari
External output, MIDI, and serious recording are better on PC anyway

So on iPhone / iPad, the recommendation is: open https://vjam.art directly in Safari and use it there. If you still want to add it to the Home Screen, test it in normal Safari first.

Install from Chrome / Edge

On desktop Chrome / Edge:

Open https://vjam.art
Use the install icon near the address bar, or open the browser menu
Choose Install / Install app
VJam opens in an app-like window

If anything behaves oddly, open https://vjam.art again in a normal browser tab.

Add to Home screen on Android Chrome

Open https://vjam.art in Chrome on Android
Tap the ︙ menu
Choose Add to Home screen or Install app
Launch VJam from the Home Screen icon

On Android, audio or mic input may still need your first tap. After launching, tap the screen once before performing.

Add to Home screen on iPhone / iPad

Normal Safari is recommended, but if you want to try it:

Open https://vjam.art in Safari
Tap the Share button
Choose Add to Home Screen
Launch VJam from the new icon

If sound, mic input, or rendering feels wrong, switch back to opening https://vjam.art directly in Safari.

Uninstalling

PC: remove VJam from your OS app list or browser app settings
Android: long-press the Home Screen icon and remove / uninstall
iPhone / iPad: long-press the VJam icon and delete it

This only removes the shortcut/app shell. VJam is still available at https://vjam.art.

When something feels wrong

Open VJam in a normal browser tab first
Reload the page
Try the latest Chrome / Edge
On iPhone / iPad, return to normal Safari mode

PWA install is just one launch method. If in doubt, open VJam directly in the browser.

Next: 🆘 Troubleshooting →