# Source: https://docs.replit.com/platforms/desktop-app.md

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.replit.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Replit Desktop App

> The Replit Desktop App for macOS, Windows, and Linux lets you create apps using all Replit's tools in a focused coding environment.

The Replit Desktop App is a native application that brings the complete Replit experience to your desktop. Create, run, and publish your apps in a focused coding environment without the distractions of a web browser.

## What is the Replit Desktop App

The Replit Desktop App is a full-featured development environment packaged as a standalone application for macOS, Windows, and Linux. You can access all the same workspace tools as the web version, allowing you to create your app in a dedicated, distraction-free environment optimized for desktop development.

## Getting started

Follow these steps to install the Replit Desktop App and create a Replit App.

### Install the app

To install the app compatible with your operating system, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the <a href="https://replit.com/desktop" target="_blank">desktop app download page</a>
2. After downloading, open the file and follow the installation instructions
3. Open the app and log in with your existing Replit account

<Note>
  The macOS and Windows desktop apps automatically update when you launch them. You must manually update the Linux desktop app.
</Note>

### Create an app

After logging into your Replit account, follow these steps to create a new Replit App:

1. In the desktop app, select **Create App**.
2. The desktop app opens a new browser tab on Replit.com titled **Create a new App**.
3. Follow the prompts to create your new Replit App in the browser. Take note of the Replit App name.
4. Switch to the desktop and select the app you created from the **Recent** list. Alternatively, locate the app by typing the name in the **Search Apps** field.

### Open an existing app

To open an existing Replit App in the Replit Desktop app, follow these steps:

1. Select the Replit icon in the top left.
2. Select the app you want to open from the list. Alternatively, locate the app by typing the name in the **Search Apps** field.

## Features

* **[Replit AI](/category/replit-ai)**: Agent and AI-powered tools for building apps
* **[Replit Workspace](/category/replit-workspace)**: Full-featured development environment
* **[Publishing](/category/replit-deployments)**: Share and deploy your apps

<Accordion title="Key benefits">
  **Focused environment:** Create your app without the distractions of working from a web browser.

  **Complete toolset:** Access the same tools as the web version to create, run, and publish your app.

  **Customizable workspace:** Arrange tools on your screen and use keyboard shortcuts to maximize productivity.
</Accordion>

## Next steps

* **[Replit AI](/category/replit-ai)**: Learn more about Agent and AI-powered tools
* **[Replit Workspace](/category/replit-workspace)**: Explore the full development environment
* **[Publishing](/category/replit-deployments)**: Share and deploy your apps
* [Introducing the Replit Desktop App](https://blog.replit.com/desktop-app): Read the Replit Desktop App announcement on the Replit blog