ChromiumFX in Simple Words

ChromiumFX is a tool that lets .NET developers add a web browser to Windows apps, it uses the Chromium engine which powers Google Chrome, with ChromiumFX you can show web pages run JavaScript and mix web design with desktop code in one fast and smart application Increditools

What is ChromiumFX

ChromiumFX is a tool for .NET developers, it helps them put a web browser inside their Windows apps, this web browser is based on Chromium which is the same engine used in Google Chrome, you can show web pages inside your app, you can run JavaScript and read or change web page elements, you can mix web design and desktop code in one program

Why ChromiumFX is Useful

ChromiumFX was made to make it easier for .NET developers to use Chromium, other tools like CefSharp or CefGlue also do this but ChromiumFX is different

It has three big goals:

• Make access to Chromium simple and clear
• Keep performance high by using a direct way to call native code
• Use events instead of many complex class types

Main Goals

• Allow use of Chromium without writing C++ code
• Let the app talk both ways with the browser process
• Give full control over JavaScript and HTML
• Provide ready controls for Windows Forms and WPF
• Stay fast and light

How ChromiumFX Works

ChromiumFX follows the same process design as Chromium, it uses more than one process to stay safe and stable

This design gives speed and control, you can manage the browser like any other .NET object

Main Features

Full Browser in .NET

You can put a full browser window inside your desktop app, it supports modern HTML5 and CSS, it can show pages, dashboards, and tools without opening Chrome

Event Based API

ChromiumFX uses events for most actions, you do not need to write large handler classes

Common events include:

• BrowserCreated
• LoadStart
• LoadEnd
• ConsoleMessage
• AddressChanged

Each event can trigger C# code when something happens in the browser

JavaScript and DOM Access

You can:

• Run JavaScript code from your .NET code
• Read results from scripts
• Edit HTML and DOM elements
• Let JavaScript call C# functions

This makes it easy to build hybrid web and desktop apps

Two Way Messages

The tool can send data between the browser and the app, you can pass messages in both directions, this helps share data between web content and native code

High Performance

ChromiumFX is fast because it uses direct calls, it does not need extra layers of code, this means less memory and better frame rate.

Setting Up ChromiumFX

What You Need

• Windows computer
• .NET Framework 4 or higher
• CEF files like libcef.dll
• ChromiumFX files like ChromiumFX.dll

Install Steps

1. Add the DLL files to your project.
2. Copy the CEF files next to your app.
3. Start ChromiumFX before using it

Important Concepts

Remote Layer

The remote layer connects .NET code and JavaScript, you can call JavaScript from C# or call C# from JavaScript, this makes your app interactive

Event System

You can listen to browser events like loading or logging, you can react to them with short and clear C# code

Platform

ChromiumFX runs best on Windows, other systems like Linux have limited support

Feature Table

Best Practices

Manage Browser Life

• Close browsers when your app ends
• Call shutdown to free memory
• Dispose old browser objects

Improve Speed

• Run scripts in groups
• Use async functions for smooth UI
• Avoid heavy code in event handlers

Stay Safe

• Disable local file access if not needed
• Check URLs before loading them
• Limit what JavaScript can do with .NET

Debug Well

• Turn on developer tools for inspection
• Log browser console messages
• Watch network and errors

Common Uses

Hybrid Desktop Apps

Create desktop apps that use HTML and C#, you can mix modern web design with strong desktop code

Web Tools

Add built in browsers to:

• Text editors
• Design apps
• Help viewers

Testing and Automation

Use ChromiumFX to:

• Test websites automatically
• Render web pages to PDF
• Scrape or analyze data

Data Dashboards

Combine C# data with web charts and graphs, show live updates and visual reports.

Custom Printing

Use the print feature to make:

• Invoices
• Reports
• Exported PDFs

Known Limits

1. Works only on Windows
2. Small community and few guides
3. Updates are not very frequent
4. Needs some learning to use well
5. Each new Chromium version may need a new build

Tips

• Follow forum posts for updates
• Use example code to learn faster
• Test after every CEF version change

Simple Workflow

This list shows how to build a full browser inside your app

Future Ideas

ChromiumFX can grow with new updates like:

• Support for new .NET versions
• More stable Linux and Mac builds
• Ready project templates for quick start
• New examples and better docs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ChromiumFX used for?

ChromiumFX is used to add a web browser inside a .NET app, it helps you show web pages and run JavaScript inside Windows software

Is ChromiumFX free to use?

Yes it is free and open source, you can use it in personal or business projects without paying

Can ChromiumFX work on Linux or Mac?

ChromiumFX works best on Windows, there are test builds for Linux but they are not complete,
Mac support is not active

Do I need to know C++ to use ChromiumFX?

No you do not need to know C++
You can write all your code in C# or VB.NET
ChromiumFX hides the complex native code for you

Can I control JavaScript from my .NET code?

Yes you can, you can run JavaScript from C#, you can also read results or change HTML and DOM elements

Conclusion

ChromiumFX gives .NET developers an easy way to use the power of Chromium, it helps you build apps that mix web design and desktop code, it is fast light and open for everyone, you can run scripts handle events and show any modern website in your app, ChromiumFX is a strong tool for people who want simple code with rich web features inside Windows software