Desktop app or browser

Use the desktop app when ALLO is your daily workspace

The desktop app and browser open the same ALLO account, workspaces, projects, canvases, dashboards, Files, and comments. The difference is the working surface. Desktop gives ALLO its own app shell with tabs, windows, app updates, notifications, badges, session restore, and support logs. The browser is simpler when you need quick access or cannot install software.

If you are unsure, install the desktop app on your main computer and keep browser access as backup. That gives you the native workflow without trapping your work in one surface.

Availability

What is the same

The desktop app and browser use the same ALLO account. Workspaces, permissions, comments, dashboards, files, billing state, AI credits, and invitations are not separate. If a canvas is read-only in the browser because you only have view permission, it will be read-only in the desktop app too. If a payment banner appears in one, it can appear in the other.

Use troubleshooting articles when the problem follows the account or workspace:

What desktop adds

The desktop app adds a native shell around ALLO. That matters when you work in ALLO for hours:

For tab behavior, see Use tabs and windows. For canvas links, see Open canvases in the desktop app.

When the browser is better

Use the browser when you are on a shared computer, a locked-down company device, a Linux computer, or a machine where you do not want to install apps. The browser is also useful when you need to compare whether a problem is local to the desktop app.

If ALLO works in the browser but not desktop, the workspace and account are probably fine. Use Troubleshoot the desktop app and export logs if support asks.

If ALLO fails in both desktop and browser, the issue is more likely account, workspace, permission, billing, network, or data state. Use the troubleshooting articles instead of reinstalling the app.

Mobile is a different surface

The mobile app is optimized for review, shared links, comments, and quick updates from a phone or tablet. It is not a replacement for desktop when you need large-canvas editing, precise layout work, billing, bulk member administration, or complex file workflows.

For mobile expectations, see Use the mobile app for canvas review.

Billing, storage, and AI credits

Use web or desktop for full billing management. The desktop app can open Billing, payment recovery, plan changes, storage add-ons, and AI credit purchase flows. The native mobile app should not be your primary billing surface.

If a payment or quota banner appears in desktop, it is usually the same workspace state you would see in the browser. Use Fix a payment issue, Fix storage limits, or Buy and manage AI credits depending on the banner.

Switching surfaces safely

You can keep ALLO open in both desktop and browser. If you make a change in one surface and do not see it in another, refresh the stale tab. If an item remains missing after refresh, check workspace, filters, Trash, and permissions using When work looks missing.

If you are signed into different accounts in desktop and browser, you may see different work. Compare the account email in each surface before assuming something disappeared.

Decision guide