You do not need an app. You need speed.
When people ask for an app, what they really want is a faster path to the tool. You can get that without downloads by adding Square Face Generator to your home screen.
This keeps the experience simple: tap the icon, open the generator, export your PNG.
How to add it on iPhone and iPad
In Safari:
- open the generator
- tap Share
- choose Add to Home Screen
Now it behaves like an app entry point, even though it is still the website.
How to add it on Android
In Chrome:
- open the generator
- tap the menu
- choose Add to Home screen
Some devices will also offer Install app when the experience is compatible.
Why this workflow is better than installing random apps
- it is always the latest version
- there is no app store delay
- you avoid questionable clones
- the core experience stays in the browser
You are not giving up anything important, but you are removing friction.
A practical daily-use routine
If you make avatars often, this is a fast system:
- open from the home screen
- build one default version
- build one tiny-safe version
- export both and stop
This keeps your workflow consistent and prevents over-editing.
Mini FAQ
Do I need to sign up? No. Do I need to upload a photo? No. The tool is part-based and runs locally. Is it as fast as an app? It is fast enough for most users when added to the home screen. What should I export? 256x256 PNG as the master.
Home screen access removes the "friction" moment
The biggest benefit of adding it to your home screen is not speed, it is habit. When the icon is one tap away, you are more likely to export variants instead of delaying the task.
What to expect after you add it
The shortcut opens the same site, but it feels like an app:
- full-screen view
- faster re-entry
- no typing the URL
It is a small change that makes the workflow feel smoother.
Keep a default folder for exports
Create one folder and always save there:
- name-default.png
- name-tiny.png
- name-dark.png (optional)
This keeps your variants organized and makes reuse painless.
Keep the shortcut updated
Because the shortcut opens the live site, you always get the latest version. That is a benefit compared to apps that go stale. If the icon feels slow, refresh once and you are on the newest build.
A simple habit that saves time
Every time you open the shortcut, export two files and stop. This keeps your avatar system clean and prevents endless edits.
A small performance tip
If the generator feels slow after you add the shortcut, close other heavy tabs and reload once. The tool runs in the browser, so freeing memory helps.
Keep your files in one place
Saving all variants in one folder makes it easy to reuse and prevents you from rebuilding the same icon later. That is the real time saver.
When the shortcut feels slow
Sometimes the first load after a browser update is slower. If that happens, reload once and try again. After the first load, it typically feels normal.
Keep a mini workflow on the page
If you forget the steps, keep a small note:
- open generator
- build default
- build tiny-safe
- export both
That is the fastest repeatable flow.
Make the shortcut feel instant
After you add it to your home screen, open it twice. The second open usually feels faster because assets are cached. If it still feels slow, close other heavy tabs and try again. You do not need a login, so there is no extra step between tap and preview.
Keep a backup link
If you share the shortcut with teammates, also send the normal web link. That way they can open it on desktop and still see the same generator and export flow.
Updates still come from the web
If you publish changes to the generator, the shortcut will pick them up on refresh. If it looks stuck, pull down to refresh once. It is still a web app, just pinned to your home screen.
CTA
Add it to your home screen today. The next time you need a new avatar, it will feel like a one-tap app.
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