Turn your business apps built on Knack into PWAs
Make installable PWAs with all your business or internal apps built on the Knack platform. Should you use Knack for your PWA? What PWA features is Knack compatible with? How long does it take to turn your Knack app into a PWA? These are some of the questions I'll be answering in this quickstart guide.
Getting started with Knack & Progressier in 3 easy steps
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1Get your app URL
Sign in to the Knack Builder. go to Apps and select the one you want to turn into a PWA. Click on app and then copy the URL of the page you're on.
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2Create a Progressier account
Click on New PWA, choose Knack in the dropdown menu, and paste the URL you copied during the previous step. Then sign up for your Progressier account, and start your free 14-day trial.
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3Install your PWA
That's it! You now have a unique install link for your Knack PWA (example: install.page/covid). Share it with your teammates to allow them to install your Knack app on their device as well.
Under the hood
A PWA built with Knack works a bit differently from a PWA built with Bubble (or with JavaScript directly). Because there is no direct way to upload a service worker to the root of your Knack domain (an essential browser requirement), Progressier instead creates a wrapper with the PWA functionality around your Knack app. All the rest is taken care of for you automatically. Progressier generates an app manifest, a service worker, icons, splash screens for all iPhone and iPad sizes, and all meta tags required to make your PWA functional across browsers. Progressier also creates a custom domain for installation of your Knack PWA, as well as a unique install page.
Which PWA features does Knack support?
Android Installation
Get your PWA installed on any Android smartphone or tablet, just like a native app.
iOS Installation
Progressier walks users through the process of installing your app on their iPad or iPhone.
Windows Installation
Your Knack PWA is installable from Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge and can be added to a Desktop or Taskbar.
macOS Installation
Progressier helps users add your Knack PWA to their Docks for quick access.
Chrome OS Installation
Let users add your PWA to their Chrome OS laptop.
Install Page
A unique page that helps users install your Knack PWA on their devices with custom instructions for each compatible platform.
Original Domain Installation
Your Knack PWA can be installed from your existing domain.
Web App Manifest
Progressier generates a web app manifest for you based on your preferences automatically.
Service Worker
A service worker is the mechanism that browsers use to deliver push notifications. It can also intercept network requests and cache resources. With Knack, it's not possible to add a service worker to your PWA.
Cache Static Resources
With Knack, it's not possible to cache static resources. No service worker = no caching possible, unfortunately.
100% Offline-Ready
Without full server-side control over the resources, it's not usually possible to make a site work offline entirely with a no-code app builder like Knack.
Push Campaigns
Send push notifications to up to 1,000,000 users in one go within the Progressier dashboard or via the API.
Personalized Notifications
This functionality lets you notify a particular user programmatically. Unfortunately, this feature is not currently supported by Knack.
Connect User Data
With Knack, it's not currently possible to sync your user data (e.g. emails, names or account types). Bubble is the best no-code option for that.
In-App PWA Promotion
Everything you need to encourage users to install your app on their devices.
Offline Alerts
Display an in-app alert when users go offline.
Push Prompt on Standalone
Automatically prompt users to authorize notifications after they've installed your PWA on their device.
Install & Push Analytics
See in real-time and track over time how users install your PWA and allow push notifications.
Programmatic PWA Creation
Progressier does not allow to create Knack apps dynamically.
Google Play & App Store Upload
With Knack, it's not possible to upload your app to Google Play or the App Store as PWA.
Why choose Knack and Progressier for your PWA?
Knack is one of the most accessible and easy-to-use no-code builders we support. The Knack interface makes building internal apps particularly easy. That's also a solid use case for Progressive Web Apps, as you might not want to deal with the hassle of managing listings on Google Play and App Store for that sort of internal tool.
Knack is a great tool for business PWAs with a heavy focus on data and simplicity — rather than UI/UX. So a Knack PWA might be the best way to achieve your goal, but it definitely won't be the sexiest. For user-facing or mainstream apps, you'll probably prefer to use more powerful no-code app builders like Bubble or Webflow.
Because Knack is mostly for internal business apps, the main limitations that you'll face when turning them into Progressive Web Apps (i.e. the installation is done from a standalone install page rather than from your own domain) shouldn't be a deal breaker.
Get started
Ready to create a PWA with Knack? Get a universal installation link today with our delightfully simple PWA toolkit.
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