Portable App Tools

A comprehensive suite for converting regular applications into portable apps and managing them efficiently. Built with PyQt5 for Windows.

🚀 Features

Portable App Converter

• Convert regular Windows applications into portable versions
• Intelligent dependency scanning and packaging
• Multiple compression levels for size optimization
• Progress tracking with cancellation support
• Automatic launcher script generation
• 7-Zip archive creation for distribution

Portable Apps Launcher

• Auto-detects and displays portable .exe apps by folder
• Custom icons for each app (place .ico files in the Icons/ folder)
• Search, favorites, and recent apps support
• Drag-and-drop to add new apps instantly
• Modern dark-themed UI with responsive design
• Right-click context menus with admin options
• Grid layout with resizable interface

PowerShell CLI

• Complete command-line interface for power users
• Launch apps, manage favorites, search functionality
• Add/remove apps from command line
• View app statistics and information
• Integration with GUI launcher

📦 Installation

Quick Start

1. Install Python 3.7+ (https://www.python.org/downloads/)
2. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Run the tools:

   # Conversion tool
   python portable_converter.py
   
   # Launcher
   pythonw launcher.pyw
   
   # CLI interface
   powershell .\Portable.ps1 list

Building Executables

# Windows only
.\build.bat

This creates standalone executables in the build/ directory.

📁 Directory Structure

Portable-Tools/
├── portable_converter.py    # Main conversion application
├── launcher.pyw            # GUI launcher for portable apps
├── Portable.ps1           # PowerShell CLI interface
├── setup.py               # Build script for executables
├── build.bat              # Windows build automation
├── Portable apps/         # Place your portable .exe files here
├── Icons/                 # Custom .ico files for apps
├── config.json           # App settings and favorites
└── portable_apps.json    # Converter app database

🎯 Usage

Converting Applications

1. Launch Converter: Run portable_converter.py
2. Select App: Browse for the .exe file to convert
3. Choose Options: Set compression level and dependencies
4. Convert: Click "Convert to Portable" and select output directory
5. Manage: View and launch converted apps in the manager

Using the Launcher

• Search: Type in the search box to filter apps
• Launch: Double-click or press Enter to run apps
• Favorites: Right-click → "Add to Favorites" for quick access
• Admin: Right-click → "Run as Administrator" for elevated apps
• Organize: Drag and drop .exe files to add them instantly

PowerShell Commands

# List all apps
.\Portable.ps1 list

# Launch an app
.\Portable.ps1 launch notepad

# Search for apps
.\Portable.ps1 search editor

# Add new app
.\Portable.ps1 add "C:\Tools\app.exe"

# Show favorites
.\Portable.ps1 favorites

# Get app info
.\Portable.ps1 info myapp

# Launch GUI
.\Portable.ps1 gui

🔧 Configuration

Custom Icons

Place .ico files in the Icons/ folder named exactly as your executable:

• MyApp.exe → Icons/MyApp.ico
• Case-sensitive on some systems

Settings

• config.json - Launcher preferences and app metadata
• portable_apps.json - Converter database and app information
• Settings are automatically saved and restored

🛠️ Advanced Features

Conversion Options

• Ultra Compression: Maximum space savings (slowest)
• Fast Compression: Quick conversion with larger files
• Dependency Inclusion: Automatically package required DLLs
• Custom Launchers: Generated batch scripts for easy execution

Management Features

• Launch Tracking: Track usage statistics and last run times
• Batch Operations: Manage multiple apps simultaneously
• Export/Import: Share app configurations between systems
• Update Detection: Monitor for app changes and updates

🐛 Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• Icons not appearing: Ensure .ico files are in Icons/ folder with correct names
• Apps not detected: Verify .exe files are in Portable apps/ or subfolders
• Conversion fails: Check app permissions and available disk space
• GUI not launching: Verify Python and PyQt5 installation

Error Messages

• "Failed to launch": Check file path and permissions
• "Conversion error": Ensure source app isn't running
• "Dependencies missing": Install required Python packages

Debug Mode

Run with Python console for detailed error messages:

python portable_converter.py
python launcher.pyw

📋 Requirements

• OS: Windows 10+ (some features require Windows-specific APIs)
• Python: 3.7+ with pip
• Dependencies: PyQt5, psutil, py7zr, configparser
• Optional: cx-Freeze for building executables

🤝 Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Test thoroughly
5. Submit a pull request

📄 License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details

🔮 Future Features

• Cross-platform support (Linux, macOS)
• Cloud synchronization of app lists
• Automatic updates for portable apps
• Plugin system for custom converters
• Batch conversion from installers
• Integration with popular app stores