Android devices enable a desktop experience where apps open in
free-form windows and users primarily interact with the UI with a pointer device
like a mouse and a physical keyboard. Learn more about [desktop experience
across form factors](https://developer.android.com/design/ui/desktop/guides/foundations/across-form-factors).

Designing for a desktop experience differs significantly from mobile design
because of the increased screen space, the precision of mouse and keyboard
input, and the expectation of high productivity.

## Adaptive from the start

Adapting your app to the desktop experience is not an afterthought. When you
design your mobile app's layout and information hierarchy, design it in a
flexible and modular way so that it adapts to a larger screen.
![App wireframe adapting across
sizes.](https://developer.android.com/static/images/design/ui/desktop/guides/desktop_found_principles_adapt.webp)

## More screen, more done

Meaningfully use the increased screen space by showing more information in a
denser layout instead of only scaling up elements to fill the space.
![App wireframe adapting across
sizes.](https://developer.android.com/static/images/design/ui/desktop/guides/desktop_found_principles_more.webp)

## Refine the motion

Transitions where small UI elements move short distances are often faster than
on mobile because the user's fingers don't obstruct the screen after an
interaction. Transitions where large UI elements move long distances often need
to be slower, or simplified, compared to mobile so the user isn't visually
overwhelmed.
![App wireframe adapt across
sizes.](https://developer.android.com/static/images/design/ui/desktop/guides/desktop_found_principles_refine.webp)

## Multitasking at the core

Users expect to perform different types of tasks simultaneously in a desktop
experience. The multi-window OS environment supports this, but you should also
let users multitask within your app.
![App wireframe adapting across
sizes.](https://developer.android.com/static/images/design/ui/desktop/guides/desktop_found_principles_multitask.webp)

## Balance efficiency with simplicity

While mobile design focuses more on simplicity and streamlined task flows, in a
desktop environment users expect to accomplish more in a shorter
flow. Finding the right balance for your app between accomplishing tasks with
fewer steps and not overwhelming users with information is critical.
![App wireframe adapt across
sizes.](https://developer.android.com/static/images/design/ui/desktop/guides/desktop_found_principles_balance.webp)

## All input types are equally important

Touch, pointer, and physical keyboard are equally important in a desktop
environment because users switch between them frequently. Follow best practices
for pointer and keyboard interactions so that users can use your app efficiently
with each input type.
![App wireframe adapting across
sizes.](https://developer.android.com/static/images/design/ui/desktop/guides/desktop_found_principles_inputs.webp)