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Progressive Web App (PWA)

Shaari is built as a Progressive Web App, which means you can install it directly from your browser and use it like a native application on your phone, tablet, or desktop. No app store download is required --- just visit the site, install, and go.

What Is a PWA?​

A Progressive Web App combines the best of web and native applications. It loads in your browser but can be installed to your home screen or taskbar, giving you:

  • App-like experience --- Launches in its own window without browser chrome (no address bar, tabs, or toolbars)
  • Fast loading --- Uses caching strategies to load instantly, even on slow connections
  • Offline capabilities --- Certain features and cached data remain accessible without an internet connection
  • Push notifications --- Receive alerts and updates directly on your device
  • Automatic updates --- The app updates itself in the background; no manual update process

Installing Shaari as a PWA​

On Desktop (Chrome, Edge, or Other Chromium Browsers)​

  1. Navigate to shaari.app in your browser.
  2. Look for the install icon in the address bar (typically a monitor with a download arrow, or a "+" icon).
  3. Click the icon and confirm the installation.
  4. Shaari appears as an application in your system's app launcher, taskbar, or desktop.

Alternatively, open the browser menu (three dots) and select Install Shaari or Add to Desktop.

On Desktop (Safari / macOS)​

  1. Navigate to shaari.app in Safari.
  2. Click File > Add to Dock (macOS Sonoma and later).
  3. Shaari appears in your Dock and launches in its own window.

On Mobile (Android / Chrome)​

  1. Open shaari.app in Chrome.
  2. Tap the browser menu (three dots in the top right).
  3. Select Add to Home Screen or Install App.
  4. Confirm the installation.
  5. Shaari appears on your home screen with its own icon.

On Mobile (iOS / Safari)​

  1. Open shaari.app in Safari.
  2. Tap the Share button (the square with an upward arrow).
  3. Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen.
  4. Confirm by tapping Add.
  5. Shaari appears on your home screen.
tip

On iOS, only Safari supports PWA installation. If you use Chrome or another browser on iPhone or iPad, you will still need to use Safari for the installation step.

Offline Capabilities​

Once installed, Shaari caches essential application resources locally on your device. This means:

  • The application shell loads instantly --- Navigation, sidebar, and UI components render even if your connection drops momentarily.
  • Previously viewed data is available offline --- Pages and records you have recently accessed may be served from the local cache.
note

Offline mode is limited to cached data and basic navigation. Features that require real-time server communication, such as AI invoice extraction, ZATCA submission, or team collaboration, require an active internet connection.

Push Notifications​

When installed as a PWA, Shaari can send push notifications to your device. Notifications keep you informed about important events without needing to have the app open:

  • Invoice status changes (approved, paid, rejected)
  • Team member actions that require your attention
  • Upcoming payment due dates
  • System alerts and announcements

Enabling Notifications​

  1. When you first install the PWA, Shaari asks for notification permission. Tap Allow.
  2. If you dismissed the prompt, go to Settings > Notifications within Shaari to re-enable them.
  3. You can also manage notification permissions through your device's system settings.

Notification Preferences​

Within Shaari, you can customize which types of notifications you receive. Navigate to your profile settings to toggle individual notification categories on or off.

App-Like Experience​

When launched from your home screen or taskbar, Shaari runs in standalone mode:

  • No browser address bar, tabs, or navigation buttons
  • Appears as a separate entry in your operating system's task switcher (Alt+Tab on Windows, Cmd+Tab on macOS)
  • Supports the full Shaari interface, including dark mode, RTL layout, and responsive design
  • Keyboard shortcuts work natively without interference from browser shortcuts

The experience is indistinguishable from a native application for most day-to-day tasks.

Updating the PWA​

Shaari's PWA updates automatically. When a new version is deployed, the service worker detects the update and downloads it in the background. The next time you close and reopen the app, the update is applied.

If an update is available while you are actively using the app, you may see a subtle notification or prompt suggesting you reload to get the latest version.

Uninstalling the PWA​

Desktop​

Right-click the Shaari icon in your taskbar or app launcher and select Uninstall or Remove. You can also uninstall from within the app by clicking the three-dot menu in the title bar and selecting Uninstall.

Android​

Long-press the Shaari icon on your home screen and drag it to Uninstall or select Remove App from the context menu.

iOS​

Long-press the Shaari icon on your home screen, tap Remove App, and confirm.

Uninstalling the PWA removes the local installation and cached data. Your Shaari account and all server-side data remain intact. You can reinstall at any time.