Desktop App Development

Desktop app development for Windows, macOS and Linux

Cross-platform desktop applications built with Electron or Tauri: installers, auto-updates, offline work and sync with your systems.

From $5,000
Starting price, Windows, macOS & Linux
Agreed in your proposal
Typical delivery
The problem

Why this is worth doing properly

Some software belongs on the desktop: tools people use all day, work that has to continue without an internet connection, apps that read and write local files, talk to hardware or need more power than a browser tab gives them.

We build cross-platform desktop apps that install like any other program, update themselves, and work on Windows, macOS and Linux from one codebase. Because they are built with web technology, they can share code and design with your website or web app.

Who this is for

  • ✓Companies that need an internal tool their team uses all day
  • ✓Software products that need a desktop version alongside the web app
  • ✓Businesses replacing old desktop software or spreadsheets
  • ✓Teams that need to work offline and sync when back online
  • ✓Products that need local files, printers or connected hardware
What you get

What's included

Cross-platform app

One codebase for Windows, macOS and Linux, built with Electron or Tauri depending on size and performance needs.

Installers and signing

Signed installers for each platform, so users can install without security warnings.

Auto-updates

Updates delivered automatically in the background, so everyone runs the latest version.

Offline and sync

Local data storage that keeps working offline and syncs with your server when a connection is available.

System integration

Local files, notifications, system tray, printing, and connected devices where your app needs them.

Security

Sandboxing, secure storage of credentials and safe communication with your backend.

Electron or Tauri?

Electron is mature and widely used, and the right choice when the app needs a large ecosystem of libraries or must match an existing web app exactly. Tauri produces much smaller, lighter apps by using the operating system's own web view, and suits tools that should start fast and use little memory.

We recommend one based on your app, not habit, and explain the trade-off in plain language before we start.

Built to be maintained

Desktop apps live on users' machines for years, across operating system updates. We keep dependencies up to date, test on each platform you support, and set up crash reporting so problems are visible to us before users report them.

Web, mobile and desktop from one team

Because our desktop apps use the same technology as our web and mobile work, one team can build your product on every platform and share logic and design between them. Features stay consistent and bug fixes reach every version.

If you already have a web app, a desktop version can often reuse much of its interface, which shortens the build considerably.

How a desktop project runs

We start with a free call about who will use the app, on which operating systems, and what it must do offline. You get a written scope and fixed quote with milestones. During the build you receive test versions to install on your own machines after each milestone, so feedback comes from real use rather than screenshots.

Before release we set up code signing certificates, the update server and crash reporting, and test installation and updates on every platform you support. After launch, the code, signing keys and accounts are handed over to you.

Pricing

What it costs

Every project gets a fixed quote in writing before any work starts. We quote in USD, GBP or EUR.

From $5,000 USD
Starting price, Windows, macOS & Linux · Delivery: Agreed in your proposal

Desktop apps start from $5,000. Each one is scoped on a free call and quoted as a fixed price with milestones. The quote covers design, the app, installers and code signing for each platform, and auto-updates.

Not sure what you need? Try the package calculator.

How we work

From first call to launch, in four steps

1. Free discovery call

30 minutes to understand your goals, your customers and what is not working today.

2. Fixed quote and plan

A written scope, timeline and fixed price, so you know the full cost before work starts.

3. Build and review

You see progress early and often, and give feedback while it is still cheap to change.

4. Launch and support

We test, launch, check tracking and stay on hand during the post-launch window.

Common questions

Desktop App Development: answered

How much does a desktop app cost?+

Desktop apps start from $5,000. We scope yours on a free call and send a fixed quote with milestones before work starts.

Which operating systems do you support?+

Windows, macOS and Linux, from one codebase. You choose which ones to release on.

Can the app work offline?+

Yes. Data is stored locally and synced with your server when the connection returns.

Can you turn our web app into a desktop app?+

Usually, yes, and much of the existing interface can often be reused.

How are updates delivered?+

Automatically. The app checks for updates and installs them in the background, with release notes if you want them.

Who owns the app and the code?+

You do. The code, code signing certificates and distribution accounts are set up in your name or handed over at the end.

Ready to start?

Tell us what you need. We'll tell you what it takes.

Book a free 30-minute call. You'll get honest advice and a fixed quote, with no obligation.

WhatsApp Book a Free Call