Offline Code Editor - Code Without Internet

What "Offline" Really Means #

Most "offline" tools have caveats:

• Works offline... after loading online first
• Offline mode... but can't compile SCSS
• Save locally... syncs when you reconnect

Web Maker is different.

Install the Chrome extension once, and you never need internet again. Everything - the editor, the preview, the preprocessor compilation - runs entirely in your browser.

How It Works #

Local JavaScript Engine #

The TypeScript compiler, SCSS processor, Pug parser, and all other preprocessors are bundled directly into Web Maker. They run as JavaScript in your browser, not on remote servers.

Browser Storage #

Your creations save to IndexedDB, your browser's local database. No cloud sync required (though you can enable it optionally).

Self-Contained Preview #

The preview iframe renders your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript without making external requests. It's a complete mini-browser within Web Maker.

Offline Scenarios #

Air Travel #

Long flights are perfect coding time. While others watch movies, you're building projects. No airplane WiFi purchase required.

Train Commutes #

Tunnels and rural stretches kill connections. Web Maker doesn't care - keep coding through every dead zone.

Coffee Shops #

Don't trust public WiFi? Work locally with complete privacy. Your code never touches the network.

Outdoors #

Coding in the park? At a cabin? On a rooftop? Wherever your laptop goes, Web Maker works.

Developing Countries #

Unreliable internet shouldn't mean unreliable productivity. Web Maker gives you First-World tooling anywhere.

Corporate Networks #

Strict firewalls blocking dev tools? Web Maker runs locally and doesn't need external connections.

Presentations & Workshops #

Demo code without worrying about venue WiFi. Your presentation works regardless of the network situation.

What Works Offline #

Full Editor Features #

• Syntax highlighting
• Auto-completion
• Code formatting (Prettier)
• Multiple editor layouts
• Console logging

All Preprocessors #

• SCSS / Sass
• LESS
• Stylus
• TypeScript
• CoffeeScript
• Pug / Jade
• Markdown

Storage & Management #

• Create new projects
• Save changes automatically
• Open previous work
• Organize creations

Export Options #

• Download files
• Copy compiled code
• Take screenshots

What Requires Internet #

For complete transparency, these features need connectivity:

• Cloud sync - Syncing across devices (optional)
• Collaboration - Real-time editing with others
• External libraries - CDN-hosted resources (but you can cache these)
• Export to CodePen - Creates a pen on CodePen's servers

The core editing and preview experience is 100% offline.

Preparing for Offline Work #

Install the Chrome Extension #

For the best offline experience, install the Chrome extension rather than using the web app. The extension is fully self-contained.

Pre-cache External Libraries #

If you need specific libraries (React, Lodash, etc.), include them in your HTML once while online. They'll be cached for offline use.

Create Template Creations #

Set up starter templates for your common use cases while online. Open them offline and start coding.

Enable Local Saving #

Make sure you're not relying on cloud sync if you'll be offline for extended periods.

Offline Workflow Tips #

Before Going Offline #

1. Open Web Maker to ensure it's cached
2. Create any templates you'll need
3. Add external libraries to creations
4. Test that everything works disconnected

While Offline #

1. Work normally - everything functions identically
2. Save frequently (automatic, but good habit)
3. Export important work to downloaded files as backup

When Back Online #

1. Your work is already saved locally
2. Optionally enable cloud sync to backup
3. Share or export as needed

Comparing Offline Capabilities #

Tool	Works Offline	Compiles Offline	Syncs Offline Work
Web Maker	Fully	All preprocessors	Yes, when online
CodePen	No	No	N/A
CodeSandbox	No	No	N/A
VS Code	Yes	With local setup	With git
JSFiddle	No	No	N/A

Privacy Benefits #

Offline-first means privacy-first:

Your code stays local

• Nothing uploaded to servers
• No code analysis or telemetry
• No third-party access

Work with sensitive code

• Client projects with NDAs
• Proprietary algorithms
• Internal tools

No tracking

• No behavior analytics
• No usage patterns collected
• Just you and your code

Technical Details #

Storage Limits #

IndexedDB typically allows 50MB+ of storage. That's thousands of creations before you'd need to worry.

Browser Support #

Chrome has the best offline support via the extension. Firefox and Edge work well with the PWA.

Data Persistence #

Your data persists across browser sessions indefinitely. Clearing browser data would remove it, so export important work.

Frequently Asked Questions #

Does the web app work offline too? #

Yes, but the Chrome extension provides more reliable offline access. The extension doesn't depend on any server availability.

What if I clear my browser data? #

Your creations would be deleted. Export important work to files or enable cloud sync as a backup.

Can I work offline and then sync? #

Yes! Work offline, then when you reconnect, enable cloud sync to backup your creations.

How much can I store offline? #

Browser limits vary, but typically 50MB+. A single creation is usually under 100KB, so you can store hundreds.

Is the offline version the same as online? #

Identical features, except collaboration (which inherently needs internet for real-time sync).