# Native Apps

Source: https://metadock.app/docs/apps

# Native Apps Beta

Embed most Windows applications directly into your MetaDock layout. Discord, VS Code, MetaTrader, OBS — most apps with a normal window dock right alongside your browsers.

Beta

App embedding is still in **beta**. Expect the occasional rendering quirk or an app that refuses to dock, and enable App Support under **Settings** before you start. The core docking experience is solid; the rough edges are documented under Limitations below. [What “Beta” means](https://metadock.app/docs#beta).

## How to Mount an App

Mounting an app captures its window and places it inside your MetaDock layout as a panel, right next to your browser panels.

### Step by step

1.  Make sure the app you want to embed is **already running**
2.  Open the **New Tab** page in MetaDock
3.  Find the **Mount Application** section (requires App Support to be enabled in Settings)
4.  Click **Refresh** to scan for running applications
5.  Click the app you want to embed — it appears as a panel in your layout

### Example setups

#### Developer workspace

VS Code on the left, browser with your app on the right, terminal at the bottom. All in one window, all saving/restoring with your workspace.

#### Streamer command center

OBS in one panel, Twitch chat in a browser panel, Discord in another, and your stream dashboard in a fourth. One screen, everything visible.

#### Trading station

MetaTrader embedded alongside TradingView charts, your broker's web interface, and a news feed. Save the workspace and restore it every morning.

Tip

**Automation:** You can also mount apps programmatically via the REST API. Combine this with workspace restoration — MetaDock can launch apps from command line and wait for their windows to appear before embedding them.

## Features

#### Process lifecycle tracking

MetaDock tracks the embedded app's process. If the app closes, the panel automatically cleans up. If you close the panel, the app keeps running independently.

#### Restoring docked apps

When you restore a workspace, MetaDock re-attaches to docked apps that are still running and slots them back into place. If an app isn't running, that panel is skipped — MetaDock doesn't relaunch it for you. Keep the apps you dock in your Windows startup, or open them before restoring, and the layout reassembles cleanly.

#### Window title tracking

The panel title updates automatically as the app's window title changes. You can also set a custom title if you prefer.

#### Lock & refresh

Lock the panel to prevent user interaction with the embedded app (useful for monitoring). Refresh/redraw if the app's rendering gets out of sync.

## Limitations

Warning

Native app embedding places a running app's window inside your MetaDock layout. It works with most apps, but it's an imperfect fit for a few — not everything plays nicely with it.

### Known issues

#### Some apps don't render correctly

Some apps that draw their own graphics in special ways may not display properly when embedded. Try it first — if it works, great.

#### Some apps need special handling

Some apps use custom rendering frameworks and may require special handling. MetaDock shows a warning dialog when you try to embed one. They may work, but with visual quirks. In rare cases, an app can crash MetaDock — if that happens, simply restart MetaDock.

#### Dismounting issues

Some apps don't restore properly when removed from MetaDock. The app might need to be restarted. This is rare but can happen with apps that don't tolerate being embedded.

Tip

**Apps that work well:** Discord, Slack, Teams, VS Code, terminals (Windows Terminal, PowerShell), media players, file managers, and most standard Windows applications. When in doubt, try it — the worst that happens is you need to restart the app.