How to use the elvocabo vocabulary widget

elvocabo is a browser-based vocabulary app with an optional floating word window. Always-on-top mode needs a desktop browser with Document Picture-in-Picture support. Other browsers may open a normal popup or tab instead. Installing a home screen shortcut does not create a lock screen widget.

Start with today's word

How it works

1. Choose your word settings

Start with an internet connection so the app can load the selected language content. You can use the public vocabulary app without creating an account.

The learning language is the language you are studying. The translation language is the language you want to read explanations in. Not every entry has published translations in every language.

  1. Open elvocabo and open the app's settings.
  2. Select a learning language, a translation language and a difficulty level.
  3. Return to the daily word and open its details to read the available meaning and example.
  4. Use the app's saved-word and review controls for words you want to revisit.

2. Open the floating window on desktop

The widget first tries Document Picture-in-Picture. When that browser feature is available and the request succeeds, the word can stay above other windows. Otherwise, elvocabo tries a regular popup; a normal popup is not guaranteed to stay on top.

Keep the main elvocabo page open while using the widget. The widget is a companion to the open app, not a separate background service.

  1. Open the app's widget or pin panel after a word has loaded.
  2. Press the button to open the word window.
  3. Read the status message: it distinguishes always-on-top support, a fallback window and a blocked popup.
  4. Place the window beside your work. Use its word-details control to return to the matching entry in the app.

3. When the widget does not open or stay on top

A blocked-popup message means the browser did not open the fallback window. Allow popups for elvocabo only, then retry from the app's open-widget button. There is no need to disable popup protection for other websites.

A normal popup or tab that opens behind another window is different from a blocked popup. Always-on-top behavior depends on Document Picture-in-Picture support and a successful request. Adding a home screen shortcut does not add this browser capability.

4. Use elvocabo on a phone

Use elvocabo in your mobile browser, or use the browser's Add to Home Screen or Install option where offered. The available option and its label depend on the browser and device.

Tap the resulting shortcut to open the app and view the word. It does not put a live word on the phone's lock screen or create a native home screen widget. Desktop floating-window behavior is not promised on mobile.

5. Understand offline access

Offline access is limited to content already stored on your device. It is not a download of every language catalog or every translation. An unopened language or translation pack may still need a connection.

Load the material you need online before relying on it offline. Browsers can clear or evict cached data, so cached content should not be treated as a permanent backup.

6. Back up your learning progress

Learning progress is stored locally in your browser. It does not automatically follow you to another browser or device. Clearing site data or losing the device can remove it.

A progress backup and an offline content cache serve different purposes. A backup preserves your supported learning state; it is not a promise that all language content will be available offline.

  1. Use the app's data-backup controls to download a backup file before changing devices or clearing site data.
  2. Store the file somewhere you control; it contains your personal learning data.
  3. To restore, open the data-backup controls in the destination browser and select your backup file.
  4. Review the preview and choose merge or replace. Merge combines supported learning data; replace overwrites the current learning state and requires confirmation.

7. Distinguish missing content from a loading error

An availability notice means a translation has not been published for that entry and selected language. It is not a translation of the word. A loading-error notice means a published asset could not be loaded; reconnecting and retrying may help that different problem.

Content preparation is ongoing. The presence of a language in settings does not mean that every word, translation or optional explanation is complete or independently verified. Use elvocabo alongside other learning resources rather than as a proficiency certificate.

Frequently asked questions

Is the elvocabo widget always on top?
Only when the desktop browser supports Document Picture-in-Picture and the request succeeds. Otherwise a normal popup or tab may open, and it is not guaranteed to stay on top.
Can I put the daily word on my phone's lock screen?
Not with the current web app. A home screen shortcut opens elvocabo when tapped; it does not create a native lock screen widget.
Why did the browser block the word window?
The browser may have blocked the fallback popup. Allow popups specifically for elvocabo and retry using the app's open-widget button. A popup that opens but does not stay on top is a separate browser-capability limitation.
Does elvocabo work fully offline?
No. Offline access is limited to content already stored on the device. Unloaded language or translation packs can require a connection, and browser storage can be cleared.
Does my progress sync automatically across devices?
No. Progress is stored locally in the browser. Download a backup from the app's data-backup controls and restore it yourself when moving to another browser or device.
Are all translations complete?
No. Translation availability varies by entry and target language. An unpublished translation shows an availability notice rather than a completed translation.

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