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PufferDesk – Turn your admin into a desktop

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PufferDesk – Turn your admin into a desktop

by senols

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Description

PufferDesk adds a desktop-like environment to the WordPress dashboard.

It runs entirely inside the WordPress admin area and is designed to provide an alternative workspace for managing sites.

Features include:

  • Desktop workspace
  • Windows
  • Folders
  • Search
  • Sticky Notes
  • Dock
  • Context menus
  • Notifications
  • Widgets
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Native Users app

Source Code

The release zip ships compiled assets under assets/dist/. Readable source files and build scripts are maintained at https://github.com/sensahin/pufferdesk, and assets/dist/SOURCES.md lists the source files used to build the compiled assets.
Release packaging also checks package size budgets, rejects machine-specific files, and keeps source-only development assets out of the zip.

  1. Upload the plugin folder to /wp-content/plugins/.
  2. Activate PufferDesk from the Plugins screen.
  3. Open PufferDesk from the WordPress admin menu or admin bar.
Does this replace WordPress admin screens?

No. PufferDesk wraps existing admin screens where possible so WordPress and plugin compatibility stay intact.

Can I return to Classic Admin?

Yes. Use the Classic Admin option in PufferDesk, or open /wp-admin/index.php?pufferdesk_classic=1.

Will my existing plugins still work?

Most should. PufferDesk opens existing WordPress admin screens inside windows, so plugin admin pages usually continue to run as normal.

Can each user customize their own workspace?

Yes. Theme, layout, window positions, launcher placement, widgets, folders, and other workspace preferences are saved per WordPress user.

What if an admin screen does not behave well in a window?

PufferDesk shows a note with a Classic Admin action when a screen cannot be safely displayed in a window. The normal WordPress admin remains available as a fallback.
Developers can mark custom apps or routes as Classic Admin-only with iframe compatibility metadata or the pufferdesk_admin_screen_iframe_compatibility filter.

0.1.3

  • Improves handling for admin screens that cannot safely initialize inside PufferDesk windows.
  • Fixes Classic Admin fallback links for iframe compatibility notices.
  • Cleans Plugin Check findings in source smoke tests and release packaging hygiene.

0.1.2

  • Refines light-mode sidebar colors in Settings and Folder windows.
  • Performs internal code cleanup and trims unused release assets.
  • Adds a WordPress.org Live Preview blueprint for opening PufferDesk in WordPress Playground.

0.1.1

  • Adds workspace, settings, users, and visual polish improvements.

0.1.0

  • Initial release.
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