Feature Request: Add an Easy “Create Desktop Shortcut” Option for Websites on Firefox for Linux

[onecboyina]

Title: Add Native Website Desktop Shortcuts and PWA Installation Support on Firefox for Linux

Description

I would like to request a simple, built-in feature in Mozilla Firefox for Linux that allows users to create desktop shortcuts for websites directly from the browser.

Currently, Google Chrome on Linux makes it possible to create website shortcuts through its browser interface. However, Firefox users may need to create .desktop launcher files manually or use workarounds to achieve similar functionality.

This creates an unnecessary inconvenience for users who prefer Firefox as their primary browser on Linux.

Proposed Feature

Please consider adding the following options to Firefox for Linux:

1. Create Desktop Shortcut: Add an option to the Firefox menu that allows users to create a desktop shortcut for the currently open website.

2. Open as a Separate Window: Allow users to open the website in a dedicated window without the usual browser tabs and address bar, where supported.

3. Application Menu and Dock Integration: Allow website shortcuts to appear in the Linux application menu and be pinned to the desktop environment's dock or taskbar.

4. Progressive Web App (PWA) Support: Provide a simple installation experience for compatible websites, similar to what users expect from other desktop browsers.

5. Consistent Linux Support: Make this functionality accessible to users across common Linux distributions and desktop environments, including Ubuntu with GNOME.

Why This Feature Matters

Firefox is an excellent browser, and many Linux users prefer it for its open-source nature, privacy features and customisation options.

However, the absence of an equally simple, discoverable workflow for website shortcuts can make Firefox less convenient for users who want to access web applications such as Gmail, ChatGPT, Google Calendar and other frequently used services directly from their desktop.

Users should not have to switch to another browser or manually create launcher files just to achieve this basic desktop integration.

Expected Behaviour

Ideally, a user should be able to:

1. Open a website in Firefox.

2. Click the browser menu.

3. Select Create Desktop Shortcut or Install Website as App.

4. Have Firefox automatically create the appropriate launcher and, where supported, offer to open the website in a dedicated application window.

Final Suggestion

I understand that implementing this functionality requires development and testing across different Linux environments. Nevertheless, I believe that native website shortcuts and PWA support would significantly improve Firefox's usability on Linux and help users stay within the Firefox ecosystem.

Please consider prioritising this feature for a future release of Firefox for Linux.

Thank you to the Mozilla and Firefox development teams for your continued work on an open, accessible and user-focused web browser.