Windows and Mac Desktop Apps

Overview

Desktop applications run natively on Windows and macOS, giving users a familiar app experience with access to system features. With Claude Code, you can vibe code desktop apps using modern frameworks like Electron or Tauri.

Choose Your Framework

Electron (Recommended for beginners)

Electron uses web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to build cross-platform desktop apps. Apps like VS Code, Slack, and Discord use Electron.

Pros:

• Build once, run on Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Use familiar web technologies
• Large ecosystem of packages
• Easy to get started

Cons:

• Larger app size
• Higher memory usage

Tauri (For smaller, faster apps)

Tauri creates smaller, more efficient desktop apps using Rust and web technologies.

Pros:

• Tiny bundle size (< 5MB)
• Better performance
• Lower memory usage
• Enhanced security

Cons:

• Requires Rust installation
• Smaller ecosystem
• Steeper learning curve

Building with Electron

Create a new Electron app

mkdir my-desktop-app
cd my-desktop-app
npm init -y
npm install electron --save-dev

Start Claude Code

claude

Example prompts

"Create a simple Electron app with a main window that displays 'Hello World'"

"Add a menu bar with File, Edit, and Help menus"

"Create a settings window that opens when user clicks Preferences"

"Add a system tray icon that shows notifications"

"Implement auto-updates using electron-updater"

Package your app

npm install electron-builder --save-dev
claude "configure electron-builder to package my app for Windows and macOS"

Then build:

npm run build

Building with Tauri

Prerequisites

Install Rust:

macOS/Linux:

curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -sSf https://sh.rustup.rs | sh

Windows: Download from rustup.rs 

Create a Tauri app

npm create tauri-app@latest

Start Claude Code

cd my-tauri-app
claude

Example prompts

"Create a Tauri app with a modern UI using React and Tailwind"

"Add native file system access to read and write files"

"Create a custom window titlebar with minimize, maximize, and close buttons"

"Add native notifications when tasks complete"

"Implement SQLite database for local data storage"

Common Features

File system access

Desktop apps can read and write files:

claude "add a 'Save File' dialog that lets users save their work"

Native menus

Create native application menus:

claude "create a File menu with New, Open, Save, and Quit options"

System tray

Add your app to the system tray:

claude "add a system tray icon with a context menu"

Notifications

Send native system notifications:

claude "show a notification when the process completes"

Auto-updates

Keep your app up to date:

claude "implement auto-update checking on app startup"

macOS Specific Features

Code signing

Required for distribution on macOS:

claude "help me set up code signing for macOS using my Apple Developer certificate"

App Store submission

claude "prepare my Electron app for Mac App Store submission"

Windows Specific Features

Windows installer

Create an installer for Windows:

claude "create a Windows installer using NSIS"

Windows notifications

Use Windows notification system:

claude "implement Windows toast notifications"

Pro Tips

• Start with Electron if you’re new to desktop development
• Use a UI framework like React or Vue for complex interfaces
• Implement proper error handling for file operations
• Test on both platforms regularly
• Use environment variables for platform-specific code
• Consider using a design system like Shadcn for consistent UI

Distribution

macOS

• Code sign your app with Apple Developer certificate
• Notarize for macOS Gatekeeper
• Distribute via DMG file or Mac App Store

Windows

• Sign with a code signing certificate
• Create an installer (MSI or NSIS)
• Distribute via website, Microsoft Store, or package managers

Example Project Ideas

• Note-taking app with Markdown support
• Screenshot tool with annotation
• Password manager
• Music player
• Task manager
• Code snippet organizer
• Chat application
• File organizer

Next Steps

Pick a framework, generate a starter project, and start vibe coding! Use Claude to guide you through adding features, fixing bugs, and deploying your app.