Desktop applications for Windows, macOS and Linux
Gjethe builds desktop software for Windows, macOS and Linux (cross-platform with Electron or Tauri, or native with .NET or SwiftUI) for work that needs offline use, local hardware, large files or background processes. Every app ships with signed installers and automatic updates.
- Free first consultation
- Written quote for your project
- Flexible payment milestones
At a glance
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Frameworks
- Electron, Tauri, .NET, SwiftUI
- Distribution
- Signed installers, auto-update
- Works
- Offline and with local hardware
Definition
What is desktop applications?
Desktop application development is building software that is installed and runs directly on a computer's operating system, with access to local files, hardware and background processes that browser-based apps can't reach.
Most new business software is built for the browser, and for good reason. Desktop software still wins when people work offline, connect printers, scanners or measuring devices, process large local files, or need something running in the background all day. We'll tell you honestly which camp your project falls into before recommending a desktop build.
Who is it for?
Point-of-sale and front-desk systems
Software that must keep working when the internet drops and connect to receipt printers, scanners and card terminals.
Manufacturing and labs
Tools that talk to machines, sensors or measuring devices over serial, USB or local networks.
Media and data-heavy work
Processing large images, video or datasets locally is faster and keeps sensitive files on the machine.
Internal tools with system access
Utilities that watch folders, sync files or run scheduled jobs in the background.
What's included, and what you keep
What's included
- Requirements and platform selection
- UI design for each operating system
- Cross-platform or native development
- Local database and offline storage
- Hardware integration over USB, serial or Bluetooth
- File system and background processes
- Sync with a cloud backend where needed
- Code signing and macOS notarisation
- Installers for each platform
- Automatic updates
- Crash reporting
- Testing on each operating system
What you receive
Handed over at the end. Yours to keep.
- Signed installers for each platform
- Source code and build pipeline
- Update server or distribution channel
- User and admin documentation
- Technical documentation for future developers
Which framework fits your app?
| Framework | Good fit when… |
|---|---|
| Electron | You want one codebase with web technology and a rich UI |
| Tauri (Rust) | You want a small, fast cross-platform app with lower memory use |
| .NET / WPF / WinUI | The app is Windows-only and integrates with Microsoft systems |
| Swift / SwiftUI | The app is macOS-only and should feel fully native |
| Qt / C++ | Performance-critical, cross-platform native software |
| Python (PyQt) | Internal tools built around data processing scripts |
Desktop app or web app?
Choose a web application if the work is mostly forms, records and reports, users are usually online, and you want every user on the latest version instantly. Web apps are cheaper to distribute and update.
Choose desktop when the app must work offline for long periods, talk to local hardware, handle very large files, integrate deeply with the operating system or run continuously in the background. A hybrid is common too: a desktop app for the specialised work, syncing with a web dashboard for managers.
Typical desktop projects
Point of sale and kiosks
Checkout, ordering and self-service terminals that keep running offline and connect to payment and printing hardware.
Machine and lab software
Applications that read from instruments, control equipment and store measurements reliably.
Media and file processing
Batch conversion, image processing and large-file workflows that run locally.
Legacy replacements
Modern rebuilds of ageing desktop systems that still run critical work.
Questions we answer before building
- Which operating systems and versions must be supported?
- How long must the app work without an internet connection?
- Which devices or hardware does it connect to?
- Who installs it: users themselves or central IT?
- Does data need to sync to a server or other devices?
- What happens to data from the old system, if there is one?
How desktop applications works, step by step
Every step has a clear output you can review. Timing is agreed in your quote.
- 1
Discovery
Workflows, operating systems, hardware and offline requirements documented.
- 2
Architecture
Framework, local data storage and sync approach chosen.
- 3
Design
Interface designed to respect each platform's conventions.
- 4
Development
Build with regular test releases on each target OS.
- 5
Packaging
Signed installers, notarisation and the auto-update channel set up.
- 6
Roll-out
Deployment to users, with crash reporting and support.
Tools, and what shapes your quote
Pricing is based on your project and agreed in your quote. These are the things that move it.
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Number of operating systems | Each OS needs builds, signing and testing. |
| Hardware integration | Devices with unusual protocols or drivers add development and testing. |
| Offline sync | Two-way sync with conflict handling is one of the more complex parts. |
| Native vs cross-platform | Separate native apps cost more than one cross-platform codebase. |
| Distribution | Public distribution, app stores or managed deployment each have their own requirements. |
| Area | Tools |
|---|---|
| Cross-platform | Electron, Tauri, Qt |
| Native | .NET, WPF, WinUI, Swift, SwiftUI |
| Data | SQLite, local file storage, cloud sync APIs |
| Distribution | code signing, Apple notarisation, electron-updater, MSIX |
Common mistakes to avoid
What we see go wrong most often, and how a good project avoids it.
Choosing desktop out of habit
Many tools are cheaper and easier to maintain as web apps. Desktop should be a deliberate choice.
Unsigned installers
Unsigned apps trigger security warnings and may be blocked by operating systems and IT departments.
No update mechanism
Without automatic updates, users run old versions indefinitely, including old bugs.
Ignoring offline conflicts
When two people edit the same data offline, the app needs clear rules for which change wins.
Frequently asked questions
Should I build a desktop app or a web app?
Choose desktop if you need offline use, local hardware such as printers or scanners, large local files or background processes. Otherwise a web application is usually cheaper to build and maintain.
Can the app update itself?
Yes. We set up signed installers and automatic updates on Windows and macOS, so users always run the latest version.
Do you handle code signing?
Yes. We set up code signing and Apple notarisation using certificates registered to your organisation.
Can the desktop app sync with the cloud?
Yes. It can work offline and sync with a backend when online, so managers see data in a web dashboard.
Can you modernise an old desktop application?
Yes. We can rebuild legacy desktop software on a modern framework, migrate its data and keep familiar workflows for users.
Can it be deployed across our company's computers?
Yes, through installers suitable for device management tools, so IT can roll it out centrally.
Does Electron use a lot of memory?
Electron bundles a browser engine, so it uses more memory than native apps. When that matters, Tauri or native frameworks are lighter options.
Can you integrate with our specific hardware?
Usually. If the device offers an SDK, driver or documented protocol, we can integrate with it; we confirm feasibility early with a small prototype.
Do you support Linux?
Yes, with Electron, Tauri or Qt, packaged in the formats your users need.
Can you build a desktop version of our web app?
Yes. Electron or Tauri can package an existing web app as a desktop app and add offline storage, notifications and system integration where they help.
How do you protect data stored on the computer?
Sensitive data is encrypted at rest, credentials use the operating system's secure keychain, and the app requests only the system access it needs.
Can the app be published in the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store?
Yes, where store rules suit the app. Many business apps are distributed directly with signed installers instead, which avoids store restrictions on system access.
Do you offer support after release?
Yes. Post-release support is agreed in your quote, and ongoing maintenance can cover OS updates, dependency upgrades and fixes.
Can you add printing and barcode scanning?
Yes. We support receipt and label printers, document printing and barcode scanners connected over USB, Bluetooth or the network.
Related services
Custom Software Development
Software built around your exact process.
CRM & ERP Development
Custom systems, or HubSpot, Salesforce and Odoo set up properly.
Python Automation
Scripts that replace manual reports and data syncing.
QA & Software Testing
Manual and automated testing across browsers and devices.
Desktop Applications by industry
Build your desktop app.
Tell us what you need. You get an honest assessment, a clear plan and a written quote. The first consultation is always free.
- What happens next
- 1You tell us what you need
- 2We aim to reply within 24 hours with questions
- 3You get a written quote for your project