Platform

Convert a Drupal website to an app

Drupal sites tend to be big — universities, councils, publishers, intranets. A converted app gives their regular users a one-tap entry point.

Updated October 20262 min readwebtoappconverter.dev

Key takeawayPoint a web to app converter at the Drupal page your users need most — the home page, a dashboard or a member area. Olivero and most modern themes are responsive. Page Cache (anonymous) and Dynamic Page Cache work normally in the app, BigPipe streaming is fine, and you can attach an in-app detection library through your theme.

Theme: Olivero is responsive
Caching: Works as on web
BigPipe: Fine in WebView
Commerce: Drupal Commerce works

Choose the entry point

Large Drupal sites serve many audiences. An app should serve one: students, staff, members or readers. Pick the start URL for that audience — /user dashboards, a section landing page or a custom view.

Theme and mobile layout

Olivero (Drupal 9.1+ default front-end theme) is responsive. Custom themes built on older base themes may need mobile fixes for tables, views grids and mega menus.

Caching

Anonymous page cache and dynamic page cache behave as on the web. BigPipe streams personalised parts in after the main HTML — that works in WebViews.

Authentication

Drupal sessions persist in the app. SSO via SAML or OpenID Connect providers generally works in WebViews except for Google sign-in, which Google blocks. Test with real staff or student accounts.

Add the app class

Attach a small JS library in your theme's .libraries.yml that adds in-app to <html> for WebView user agents, then hide blocks with CSS.

Frequently asked

Can I convert a Drupal intranet into an app?

Yes. Make sure the site is reachable over https from phones (or via VPN) and distribute the APK privately.

Will Drupal Commerce checkout work in the app?

Yes, test each payment gateway, especially redirect-based ones.

Keep going

PlaybookHow to convert a website to an appConvert a website into an Android app with a web to app converter: audit the site, set name, icon and package, add tabs and splash, build, test and publish the AAB.PlaybookPrepare your website for conversionA pre-conversion audit for any website: mobile layout, speed, navigation, logins, pop-ups and the app-only CSS that makes a converted site feel native.FeatureBottom navigation tabsAdd native bottom tabs to a website converted into an app: how many tabs, which URLs, icons, labels, active states and how tabs interact with the back button.FeaturePush notification campaignsPlan push for a converted website app: native vs web push, Android 13 permission timing, segments, frequency, deep links and measuring results.PlatformWordPressConvert a WordPress website into an Android app: theme checks, caching plugins, admin bar, WooCommerce, membership logins, PWA plugins and hiding web-only blocks.PlatformMagentoConvert a Magento / Adobe Commerce store into an Android app: theme weight, store views, full-page cache, customer sections, checkout and push.