While Facebook Messenger may be a breeze to access on your phone or your browser through the official apps, using it as a desktop client has always been a bit tricky. Messenger for Desktop aims to solves this problem (although this app is unofficial and not associated with Facebook in any way).
Chat without opening Facebook
Messenger for Desktop is an unofficial client that allows you to use Facebook’s messaging service on your Mac without having to be connected to the social network (although you have to login via the client, of course).
It has exactly the same options as the Facebook Messenger mobile apps: chat, stickers, and voice and video calling. What makes it more interesting is that you can receive message notifications in the dock while the app is minimized.
If you regularly use the chat option on the Facebook website, you’ll have no trouble using Messenger for Desktop. Most of the options are in exactly the same place with the same icons, while all the others are easy to identify.
Send messages in full screen
One of the problems with using Facebook’s chat option on the web is that it appears in a small window. You can only extend it by clicking on one of your conversations, but this is a bit clunky and can lead you to unintentionally close a tab on your browser.
Messenger for Desktop solves this problem, as you can chat in full screen or resize the window to suit your needs. This option is particularly useful if you're chatting at work and want to do it discreetly.
When you open and login to Messenger for Desktop, it imports all the options from your Facebook profile so you can start chatting immediately. The only option you might need to configure is whether to turn message notifications on or off.
In terms of design, Messenger for Desktop has a very similar interface to Facebook.
Good for users of Facebook chat on the web
If you regularly user the chat option in the Facebook website, then Messenger for Desktop will be right up your street. It’s easy to use, doesn’t hog computer memory, and allows you to chat more discreetly without opening Facebook (like separate official Messenger apps do).
