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Manifest.json

A web app manifest is a JSON file that describes how your website behaves as a Progressive Web App (PWA), including its name, icons, display mode, and theme colors.

manifest.json
Since 2013
2013
First Released
4/5
GEO Score

Origin & Background

Creator
W3C Web Applications Working Group
Year Introduced
2013
Alternate Names
Purpose
Created to enable web applications to be installed on devices and provide app-like experiences with proper branding, icons, and display modes.
Official Specification
View Specification

Key Benefits & Advantages

Benefits Overview

  • Enables Progressive Web App functionality
  • Provides app identity and branding information
  • Helps AI systems categorize your site as an application

Technical Advantages

Declares your site as an installable application
Provides clear identity signals to AI systems
Improves categorization in app stores and directories
Essential for PWA functionality and mobile optimization
Helps AI understand your site's purpose and category
Enables app-like experiences on mobile devices
Improves visibility in platform-level indexing
Signals professionalism and modern web standards

SEO / GEO / LLMO Relevance

Web app manifests help AI systems understand that your site is an interactive application, improving categorization and discovery in app-focused AI interfaces and platform-level indexing.

Signals to AI that your site is an application, not just content
Improves categorization in app directories and AI systems
Provides clear identity and branding information
Enhances mobile search and app discovery
Essential for PWA functionality and modern web standards

Implementation Guide

Syntax Example

manifest.json
Reference
{
  "name": "Geordy - AI Optimization Platform",
  "short_name": "Geordy",
  "description": "Optimize your site for AI-powered search engines",
  "start_url": "/dashboard",
  "display": "standalone",
  "theme_color": "#2a9d8f",
  "background_color": "#ffffff",
  "orientation": "portrait-primary",
  "categories": ["productivity", "business", "seo"],
  "icons": [
    {
      "src": "/icon-192.png",
      "sizes": "192x192",
      "type": "image/png",
      "purpose": "any maskable"
    },
    {
      "src": "/icon-512.png",
      "sizes": "512x512",
      "type": "image/png",
      "purpose": "any maskable"
    }
  ],
  "screenshots": [
    {
      "src": "/screenshot-desktop.png",
      "sizes": "1280x720",
      "type": "image/png"
    }
  ]
}

Troubleshooting & Best Practices

Comparison to Alternative Formats

Alternative Formats
When to Use Manifest.json

Use manifest.json for any web application that wants to be installable or provide app-like experiences. Essential for PWAs and mobile-optimized sites.

Advantages

  • +Enables PWA installation and app-like behavior
  • +Provides clear app identity and branding
  • +Improves mobile user experience
  • +Required for app store distribution

Limitations

  • −Requires multiple icon sizes and assets
  • −Limited browser support for some features
  • −Needs proper HTTPS setup
  • −Requires service worker for full PWA functionality

Popular Use Cases

Progressive Web Apps

Enable installation and app-like behavior for web applications

Example:
SaaS platforms, web tools, productivity apps

Mobile Optimization

Provide optimal mobile experience with proper branding

Example:
Mobile-first applications, responsive web apps

App Store Presence

Enable listing in app stores and directories

Example:
Web apps targeting app store distribution

Real-World Adoption Examples

Twitter (X)

Uses manifest.json for PWA functionality and mobile app experience

Spotify

Implements web app manifest for installable web player

Pinterest

Uses manifest for PWA installation and mobile optimization

Starbucks

Implements manifest.json for mobile ordering PWA

Frequently Asked Questions

Automated Generation

Start Using Manifest.json with Geordy

Geordy automatically generates and maintains Manifest.json files for your website, ensuring optimal AI visibility without manual work.