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Unframed display mode for Isolated Web Apps

Category
Isolated Web Apps-specific API
Type
New or changed feature
Status
In developer trial (Behind a flag) (Chrome 152)
Intent stage
Dev trials

Summary

Unframed display mode allows [Isolated Web Apps](https://chromeos.dev/en/web/isolated-web-apps) to occupy the entire browser window, which optimizes the workspace available. By removing standard window borders and title bars, developers can implement unique user experiences with branding and menu hierarchies that match the look-and-feel of native applications. Administrators can manage this feature with existing policies for window management: - [DefaultWindowManagementSetting](https://chromeenterprise.google/policies/#DefaultWindowManagementSetting) configures the default state for the window management for all apps. The policies below can override this default. - [WindowManagementAllowedForUrls](https://chromeenterprise.google/policies/#WindowManagementAllowedForUrls) allows IWAs with specified origins to enter unframed mode without any user interaction. - [WindowManagementBlockedForUrls](https://chromeenterprise.google/policies/#WindowManagementBlockedForUrls) blocks unframed mode for IWAs with specified origins, forcing Chrome to fallback to other available display modes.

Motivation

Standard window decorations, including the title bar and system control buttons, impose fixed UI constraints that restrict available screen real estate and visual integration. Without unframed mode, developers are forced to design around standard operating system frames that often conflict with an application’s specific branding or functional layout requirements. While the Window Controls Overlay API provides a lot of flexibility, it still enforces system-drawn regions for window controls, which prevents a fully bespoke interface. Unframed mode enables Isolated Web Apps to occupy the entire window surface, bridging the gap between web and native application experiences. This level of control is essential for immersive software - such as virtual desktop clients - that requires a unique visual hierarchy or a maximized workspace. By removing standard window borders and title bars, developers can implement unique user experiences with branding that matches the feel of native applications.

Standards & signals

Docs: https://github.com/WICG/manifest-incubations/blob/gh-pages/unframed-explainer.md

Samples: https://github.com/edman/unframed-demo

Explainers: https://github.com/WICG/manifest-incubations/tree/gh-pages/unframed-explainer.md

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