Add to Home Screen
Study like a native app
Install from the browser
On supported browsers Shelf registers a service worker and manifest for add-to-home-screen. Production builds on Vercel expose the install prompt Chrome expects — study without feeling like a fragile browser tab.
Add to Home Screen
Study like a native app
What works offline
Cached library listings and previously opened PDF bytes (IndexedDB) remain available. Reading streak and timer stats live in localStorage. Full Study AI and uploads require network — the UI surfaces offline status instead of hanging spinners.
Safe area and standalone mode
Standalone display mode respects iPad notch and home indicator insets so reader panels use the full screen without awkward scroll on the window root.
Synced across devices
Install Shelf
Chrome, Edge, and Safari offer Add to Home Screen or Install — Shelf ships a web manifest and icons for app-like launch without an app store.
Installed PWAs open in standalone window — more screen for PDF, less browser tab clutter.
Add to Home Screen
Study like a native app
Offline behavior
Previously opened PDFs cached in IndexedDB reopen offline. New uploads and Study AI need network — plan sync before flights or metro rides.
Updates
Service worker updates deploy with the site — reload once after Shelf announces features. No manual app store update cycle.
Synced across devices
Mobile vs desktop PWA
Phone install for commute reading; desktop install for distraction-free desk sessions. Same login, same library.
Add to Home Screen
Study like a native app
Storage limits
Browsers cap IndexedDB — Shelf caches recent PDFs intelligently; older caches may evict under pressure. Reopen online to refresh bytes.
When native apps return
PWA-first lets Shelf ship reader improvements weekly. If a platform store app ships later, your account library remains web-accessible.
Synced across devices