Browser kiosk mode

Setting up dotBlast in browser kiosk mode turns any computer or tablet into a dedicated dashboard display. This approach works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS devices.

Prerequisites

A computer or tablet with a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari)
dotBlast account with at least one dashboard created
Internet connection
Administrative access to the device (for some setup steps)

Why use browser kiosk mode?

Utilizes existing hardware (no additional purchases needed)
Easy to set up and modify
Full keyboard/mouse access for maintenance
Works with touchscreen displays
Can be combined with hardware enclosures for professional appearance

Step-by-step setup for Chrome/Chromium (Recommended)

Method 1: Using Chrome shortcut (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Create a desktop shortcut for Chrome/Chromium
Right-click the shortcut and select “Properties” (Windows) or “Get Info” (macOS)
In the target field, add --kiosk --app=https://dotblast.app/view after the browser path Example: "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" --kiosk --app=https://dotblast.app/view
Name the shortcut something like “dotBlast Dashboard”
Double-click the shortcut to launch in kiosk mode

Method 2: Using Chrome command line

Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux)
Run one of these commands:
- Windows: start chrome --kiosk --app=https://dotblast.app/view
- macOS: /Applications/Google\ Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google\ Chrome --kiosk --app=https://dotblast.app/view
- Linux: google-chrome --kiosk --app=https://dotblast.app/view
Chrome will launch in full-screen kiosk mode pointing to the dotBlast view page

Method 3: Using Chrome settings (temporary)

Open Chrome and navigate to https://dotblast.app/view
Click the three-dot menu > “More tools” > “Create shortcut”
Check “Open as window” and click “Create”
Right-click the new shortcut > “Properties”
Add --kiosk to the end of the target field
Use this shortcut to launch in kiosk mode

Setup for Firefox

Method 1: Using Firefox command line

Open Command Prompt or Terminal
Run one of these commands:
- Windows: start firefox -kiosk https://dotblast.app/view
- macOS: /Applications/Firefox.app/Contents/MacOS/firefox -kiosk https://dotblast.app/view
- Linux: firefox -kiosk https://dotblast.app/view
Firefox will launch in kiosk mode

Method 2: Using Firefox auto-config (advanced)

Create a user.js file in your Firefox profile directory with:

user_pref("browser.kiosk.enabled", true);
user_pref("browser.kiosk.url", "https://dotblast.app/view");
user_pref("browser.kiosk.fullscreen", true);

Restart Firefox - it will launch in kiosk mode

Setup for Microsoft Edge

Method 1: Using Edge command line

Open Command Prompt or Terminal
Run one of these commands:
- Windows: start msedge --kiosk --app=https://dotblast.app/view
- macOS: /Applications/Microsoft\ Edge.app/Contents/MacOS/Microsoft\ Edge --kiosk --app=https://dotblast.app/view
- Linux: microsoft-edge --kiosk --app=https://dotblast.app/view
Edge will launch in kiosk mode

Setup for Safari (macOS only)

Method 1: Using AppleScript

Open Script Editor (found in Applications > Utilities)

Create a new script with:

do shell script "open -a Safari --args --kiosk https://dotblast.app/view"

Save as an application
Run the application to launch Safari in kiosk mode

Optimization tips for browser kiosk mode

Display settings

Set display to native resolution for sharpest text
Consider rotating display 90° for portrait mode (adjust in display settings)
Calibrate colors if color accuracy is important for your content

Power and sleep settings

Windows: Power Options > “Never” for sleep and display timeout
macOS: System Preferences > Energy Saver > “Prevent automatic sleeping”
Linux: Varies by desktop environment - look for power management settings
Disable screensavers or set to blank screen only

Browser-specific optimizations

Chrome/Chromium

Disable password saving: --disable-save-password-bubble
Disable translation bar: --disable-translate
Disable infobars: --disable-infobars
Enable smooth scrolling: --enable-smooth-scrolling

Firefox

Set homepage: about:preferences#home → Homepage and new windows → Custom URL
Enable fullscreen: about:config → full-screen-api.allow-trusted-requests-only → false
Disable updates during kiosk: about:config → app.update.enabled → false

Touchscreen considerations

Calibrate touchscreen if touch accuracy is off
Consider disabling touch gestures that might interfere (swipe to change tabs, etc.)
Test touch targets - ensure widgets are large enough for finger input

Security considerations

For public displays, consider creating a limited user account just for kiosk mode
Disable ability to exit kiosk with keyboard shortcuts (Alt+F4, Ctrl+W, etc.) if needed
Implement physical security for the device if in a public area
Regularly update browser and operating system for security patches

Linking your kiosk device to dotBlast

Once your browser is configured to open the dotBlast view page automatically:

Your kiosk device should display a 6-digit PIN on screen
On your computer or phone (where you manage dotBlast):
- Go to the Devices page (/devices)
- Enter the 6-digit PIN from your kiosk display
- Click “Link Device”
Once linked, your kiosk will display your dashboard and update automatically

Exiting kiosk mode (for maintenance)

Chrome/Chromium/Edge: Alt+F4 or Ctrl+Shift+W
Firefox: Alt+F4 or Ctrl+Shift+W
Safari: Command+Q
Or use Task Manager/Force Quit to end the browser process

Maintenance

Periodically verify the device remains linked in your dotBlast Devices page
If unlinked, simply repeat the linking process above
Keep browser and operating system updated
Clear browser cache occasionally if performance degrades
Check for hardware issues (overheating, cable connections) regularly

Once successfully configured, your browser kiosk will serve as a reliable dashboard display that runs continuously. Enjoy your new information display!