Custom Software (Any Software)

Extend Cliqer's remote control capabilities to virtually any application using native browser communication for web apps or keyboard emulation for desktop software.

One of Cliqer's most powerful aspects is its versatility. Its capabilities can extend to virtually any application, whether it's a web-based tool running in a browser or desktop software that responds to standard keyboard shortcuts for navigation.

This makes Cliqer a valuable tool for controlling custom-built slideshow software, web-based presentation platforms, image gallery viewers, PDF readers in presentation mode, or other unique applications not explicitly listed.

Native Browser Communication for Web Applications

For web-based custom applications, Cliqer offers native browser communication that provides seamless control without requiring extensions or special setup:

Browser Support for Custom Web Apps

macOS (Full Native Support):

✅ Google Chrome - Direct JavaScript injection and complete control
✅ Safari - Native AppleScript integration with web apps
✅ Brave Browser - Full Chromium-based control with custom scripting
✅ Microsoft Edge - Complete control using Chromium-based integration
✅ Chromium - Native browser control with custom JavaScript execution
✅ Arc Browser - Advanced tab control with dynamic scripting
✅ Opera - Chromium-based control with custom web app automation
✅ Vivaldi - Complete browser automation for custom applications
⚠️ Firefox - Basic navigation support with keyboard simulation fallback
⚠️ Yandex Browser - Basic Chromium-style control
⚠️ Other Browsers - Limited support with fallback methods

Windows:

✅ Internet Explorer & Edge Legacy - Full control via COM automation
✅ Chrome - Complete control via DevTools Protocol (requires --remote-debugging-port=9222)
✅ Chromium - Full automation support (requires --remote-debugging-port=9222)
✅ Brave Browser - Complete control with DevTools Protocol (requires --remote-debugging-port=9223)
✅ Microsoft Edge (Modern) - Chromium-based control (requires --remote-debugging-port=9222)
✅ Opera - DevTools-based automation (requires --remote-debugging-port=9224)
✅ Vivaldi - Full Chromium control (requires --remote-debugging-port=9225)
⚠️ Firefox - Keyboard simulation for basic navigation
⚠️ Other Browsers - Limited support with keyboard simulation

Web Application Features

✅ Custom JavaScript Injection - Execute custom control scripts in any web page
✅ Background Operation - Control web apps without focusing the browser
✅ Bidirectional Communication - Get real-time information from web applications
✅ URL Pattern Matching - Target specific web applications by URL
✅ Multi-Browser Environment - Support across virtually all modern browsers
✅ Cross-Platform Consistency - Unified API across macOS and Windows

Examples of Supported Web-Based Tools:

Custom HTML5 presentation frameworks (reveal.js, Bespoke.js, Deck.js)
Web-based image galleries or portfolios (custom galleries, photography sites)
Online document viewers in presentation mode (PDF.js, custom viewers)
Educational platforms with slide-based content (custom LMS, training platforms)
Web-based video players or streaming interfaces (custom players, dashboards)
Custom dashboards or information displays (monitoring systems, digital signage)
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) with presentation interfaces
Web-based CAD or design tools in presentation mode
Interactive web presentations and demos

Desktop Application Support

For desktop applications, Cliqer uses keyboard emulation to control software that responds to standard navigation shortcuts:

Key Features for Desktop Apps:

✅ Universal Compatibility Potential - If your software uses common navigation keystrokes, Cliqer can likely control it
✅ Custom Setups - Ideal for bespoke presentation systems, niche industry software, or in-house applications
✅ Simple Emulation - Cliqer emulates keyboard inputs to the active application on the host computer
✅ Cross-Platform Support - Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
✅ Focus Management - Automatic application focusing for reliable control

What's Supported vs. Not Supported

✅ Web Applications (Native Communication):

Custom JavaScript execution and control
Real-time data extraction and feedback
Background control without focusing browser
Multiple web app control simultaneously
Custom URL pattern matching
Bidirectional communication with web apps
Support for virtually all modern browsers

✅ Desktop Applications (Keyboard Emulation):

Standard keyboard navigation (arrows, space, page up/down)
Function key controls (F5, F11, etc.)
Custom keyboard shortcuts your software supports
Multi-platform desktop support

❌ Not Supported:

Desktop apps that don't respond to keyboard shortcuts
Applications requiring mouse clicks at specific coordinates
Software with non-standard or proprietary control methods
Mobile-only applications (desktop browsers supported)

Setup and Usage

For Web-Based Custom Applications:

Standard Setup (macOS & IE/Edge Legacy on Windows):

Start Cliqer on your host computer
Open Your Web App in a supported browser
Connect Remotely using the Cliqer presenter link
Test Navigation - Cliqer will attempt to inject standard navigation controls

Chromium-Based Browsers on Windows (Advanced Setup): For enhanced web app control in modern browsers on Windows:

# Chrome
chrome.exe --remote-debugging-port=9222

# Brave
brave.exe --remote-debugging-port=9223

# Opera
opera.exe --remote-debugging-port=9224

# Vivaldi
vivaldi.exe --remote-debugging-port=9225

# Edge (Modern)
msedge.exe --remote-debugging-port=9222

# Chromium
chromium.exe --remote-debugging-port=9222

For Desktop Custom Applications:

Ensure Cliqer is running on your host machine
Open your custom application and bring it into focus (make it the active window)
Activate presentation mode if the application has a specific "presentation mode"
Connect to Cliqer using the presenter link on your remote device
Test the remote control - Cliqer's default commands usually map to right/left arrow keys or spacebar/backspace

Important Considerations for Desktop Apps:

Active Window: The custom application you want to control must be the active (focused) window on the host computer for Cliqer's emulated keystrokes to be received correctly.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Identify the exact keyboard shortcuts your custom software uses for navigation (e.g., right arrow for next, left arrow for previous).
Testing: Thoroughly test Cliqer with your specific application to ensure reliable control and to understand any nuances.

Web Application Advantage: For the most reliable experience with custom software, consider using web-based versions when available. Cliqer's native browser communication eliminates the need to maintain focus and provides more robust control capabilities across all supported browsers.

Windows Chromium Users: For full web app control in Chromium-based browsers on Windows, start your browser with the appropriate remote debugging port. This enables the most advanced control features for custom web applications.

macOS Users: Most browsers work immediately without additional setup. The native AppleScript integration provides seamless control across Chrome, Safari, Brave, Arc, Opera, Vivaldi, and other modern browsers.

Advanced Customization

For organizations with specific needs, Cliqer's browser communication system can be extended to support custom web applications by:

Creating custom JavaScript control snippets for your specific application
Implementing URL pattern matching for automatic application detection
Developing bidirectional communication for real-time status updates
Integrating with existing web-based presentation or display systems
Supporting Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) with custom control interfaces
Enabling multi-browser deployment strategies for redundancy and choice

The native browser communication approach opens up possibilities for controlling virtually any web-based interface, making Cliqer suitable for a wide range of professional and educational scenarios beyond traditional presentation software. With support for all major browsers across platforms, your custom applications can leverage Cliqer's control capabilities regardless of your preferred browser environment.

For general Cliqer operations, refer to the How to Use Cliqer guide.

Visit official "Any Software" use case page on cliqer.io

Previous: LibreOffice Impress

LibreOffice Impress

Control your LibreOffice Impress presentations remotely with Cliqer, supporting open-source software.

Elgato Stream Deck

Control Cliqer with an Elgato Stream Deck via direct USB (HID) or the Elgato Stream Deck plugin.