How to Add a Web Page to Favorites Using JavaScript ?

Adding a webpage to a browser's favorites directly through JavaScript isn't widely supported due to security and privacy restrictions. However, you can use some alternative methods to guide users on how to add a page to their favorites manually.

Method 1: Using window.external.AddFavorite (Internet Explorer Only)

For Internet Explorer, you can use the window.external.AddFavorite() method. Here’s how it works:

1 function addToFavorites(url, title) {
2     if (window.sidebar) { // Firefox
3         window.sidebar.addPanel(title, url, '');
4     } else if (window.external && ('AddFavorite' in window.external)) { // IE
5         window.external.AddFavorite(url, title);
6     } else { // Other browsers
7         alert('Press Ctrl+D to add this page to your favorites.');
8     }
9 }
10 
11 // Usage
12 addToFavorites('https://example.com', 'Example Page');

Method 2: Prompt Users to Add to Favorites Manually

Since most modern browsers don’t allow direct bookmarking, you can display a message prompting users to add the page to favorites manually:

1 function showAddToFavoritesPrompt() {
2     alert('Press Ctrl+D to add this page to your favorites.');
3 }
4 
5 // Usage
6 showAddToFavoritesPrompt();

Method 3: Use a Bookmark Link

Create a draggable link that users can add to their bookmarks bar by dragging and dropping:

1 <a href="https://example.com" title="Example Page" draggable="true">Add this page to your favorites</a>

Method 4: Use Progressive Web App (PWA) Features

Although there is no direct API to add favorites, you can enhance the experience by creating a PWA. The Web App Manifest allows users to save your site to their device's home screen.

1 {
2     "name": "Example App",
3     "short_name": "Example",
4     "start_url": "/",
5     "display": "standalone",
6     "background_color": "#fff",
7     "theme_color": "#000",
8     "icons": [
9         {
10             "src": "icon.png",
11             "sizes": "192x192",
12             "type": "image/png"
13         }
14     ]
15 }

Summary

JavaScript cannot directly add a webpage to favorites in most modern browsers, but these workarounds—manual prompts, draggable links, and PWA features—can help guide users to save your page to favorites, improving the user experience.