GhostlyShare for local application previews
GhostlyShare makes local apps public with one click
GhostlyShare is a compact Windows tray app that detects local web apps and creates public links without deployment, DNS configuration, or browser tab clutter.
Product concept
A public link for the app currently running on your device
Launch a dev server, dashboard, webhook receiver, or small API. GhostlyShare detects it, shows the port, and offers a Start button. One click creates a public URL to open, copy, and share.
Features
All essentials for a smooth local-to-public workflow
Automatic detection of local applications
GhostlyShare scans local ports, probes HTTP/HTTPS endpoints, reads page titles, and identifies API surfaces via OpenAPI, Swagger, documentation, and health checks.
Free public links with no account needed
No login, account, subscription, or custom domain needed. Launch your local app, press Start, and GhostlyShare generates a shareable preview link.
Proxying for HTTP and WebSocket
Modern apps continue functioning as GhostlyShare forwards standard HTTP traffic and WebSocket connections via the active public route.
Copy, open, stop, repeat
Each active app features a compact action bar: open the public URL, copy it with confirmation, or end the preview when finished.
Unobtrusive tray-based interface
The window remains compact, doesn’t appear in the taskbar, and focuses on apps currently available to share.
Safe lifecycle management
When local apps close or previews end, GhostlyShare updates state and clears routes, avoiding leftover public links.
Workflow
From localhost to public URL in just three simple steps
- 1
Run your local app
Start Vite, ASP.NET Core, a dashboard, webhook receiver, or any local web service as normal.
- 2
Click Start in GhostlyShare
The app locates the port, sets up a secure public route, waits for the URL, and displays a Live status when ready.
- 3
Share the URL
Copy the link, open it in a browser, share with a client, or test from another device instantly.
Why it feels responsive
The app handles the tedious tasks before you need to consider them
GhostlyShare continuously monitors local ports, tracks live previews, manages routes as apps start or stop, and provides clear feedback for every action. This means no manual sharing commands, no copied terminal URLs, and no uncertainty about which port to share.
Use cases
Designed for when localhost alone won’t suffice
Previews for clients and colleagues
Share a working link before deploying a branch or releasing a temporary build.
Webhook testing
Direct external services to a local receiver while maintaining your development loop on your device.
Mobile device compatibility checks
Access your local site from another phone, tablet, or test device without connecting to the same network.
API demonstrations
Expose a local API for swift integration discussions, then stop it once complete.
Comparison with ngrok
A straightforward way to share only your local running app
If you often use ngrok, GhostlyShare offers a more straightforward local preview: open the tray app, select the detected service, press Start, and share the link. No terminal setup, account, or domain configuration needed.
Tray-first, visual interface
Ideal for viewing detected local apps, sharing with one click, copying the URL, and stopping previews within a compact Windows window.
Free with no setup hassle
Perfect for quick previews with no login, account, subscription, or domain setup required before sharing.
Powerful but requires more manual setup
Terminal-first sharing tools suit advanced routing workflows. GhostlyShare targets everyday previews where speed and simplicity are key.
FAQ
Quick answers before sharing a local app
Is an account required to use GhostlyShare?
No. GhostlyShare is designed for rapid local previews without login, account creation, or subscription.
Is a personal domain necessary?
No. You can share a temporary public preview link without purchasing a domain, altering DNS, or deploying a test build.
Is GhostlyShare intended to replace ngrok?
It depends on your workflow. ngrok tools excel at advanced routing, whereas GhostlyShare prioritises quick Windows tray previews for local apps, APIs, webhooks, and demos.
Summary
GhostlyShare transforms a local build into a shareable experience
It’s designed to be small, straightforward, and practical: launch your app, press Start in GhostlyShare, share the link, and continue working.