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# Opening links in the Desktop App

> Open Close links in the desktop app instead of your browser. Set app.close.com links to open in the app or use closeio:// deep links.

You can open Close directly in the Desktop app from links you share in email, Slack, docs, or other tools by using deep links.

## Who can use this

Any Close user with the Desktop app installed and updated in macOS or Windows.

## Option 1: Open web links in the Desktop app

If you prefer to keep using normal https links, you can tell Close to open them in the Desktop app.

* In the Close web app, open the account menu
* Click Open in Mac/Windows App

![Account dropdown menu showing the 'Open in the Mac app' option highlighted.](https://close-prd-help-docs.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/technical-support/desktop-app/opening-links-in-the-desktop-app/account_menu_open_in_app_1e3037.png)

Ensure to check 'Always allow app.close.com to open links of this type in the associated app'.

![Browser dialog asking to open Close with checkbox to always allow and Cancel and Open Close buttons.](https://close-prd-help-docs.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/technical-support/desktop-app/opening-links-in-the-desktop-app/open_close_prompt_c313ba.png)

After you enable this, clicking `app.close.com` links in your browser will redirect into the Desktop app. Some browsers may leave a blank tab or a redirect screen.

![Dialog page saying 'Opening in Close...' with links to download or open the desktop app.](https://close-prd-help-docs.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/technical-support/desktop-app/opening-links-in-the-desktop-app/opening_in_desktop_app_a352d6.png)

## Option 2: Use `closeio://` links

Turn any standard Close URL into a deep link by replacing `https://` with `closeio://`.

Examples (please replace the `LEAD_ID` and `CONTACT_ID` with your own examples):

* Lead: `closeio://app.close.com/lead/LEAD_ID`
* Contact: `closeio://app.close.com/contact/CONTACT_ID`

When a user clicks a `closeio://` link, Close Desktop opens directly.

## Troubleshooting

### Quick tests

* macOS: Open Terminal and run:
  * `open "closeio://app.close.com"`
* Windows: Open Run or Command Prompt and run:
  * `start closeio://app.close.com`

If your OS prompts you to open Close, the protocol handler is registered and working.

---

* Nothing happens when clicking closeio:// links

  * Make sure the Close Desktop app is installed and updated
  * On managed devices, IT policies may block custom URL schemes. Ask IT to allow the closeio:// protocol for Close

* Links still open a browser tab first

  * That's expected if you're using the "Open in Mac/Windows App" setting. Use closeio:// links to avoid the extra tab

* Opens a new window instead of a new tab

  * In some cases the Desktop app may open new windows. You can continue working or manually merge windows into tabs. This behavior is being improved

* Advanced debugging

  * On Desktop, press Shift+Control+, to toggle the Develop menu for tools like the Contexts Editor and Background View devtools

> **Still need help?**
>
> Contact Support with your OS version, Close Desktop version, an example link, and whether https links successfully redirect to the Desktop app