The CheerpJ Applet Runner extension allows you to run legacy Java Applets on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge without having to install Java.
Not available for this browser: try Chrome or Edge. Publishing the application yourself? CheerpJ Core runs it in any browser.
Why CheerpJ Applet Runner
Java applets are no longer supported in modern browsers, leaving many business-critical applications inaccessible. CheerpJ Applet Runner enables existing Java applets to run in Chrome and Microsoft Edge without requiring users to install Java Desktop or legacy browser plugins.
HOW IT WORKS
The CheerpJ Applet Runner allows existing Java applets to run directly in Chrome and Microsoft Edge. The browser extension detects Java applets, starts the CheerpJ runtime and loads the application without requiring a desktop Java installation or legacy browser plugins.
Install the CheerpJ Applet Runner extension from the Chrome Web Store or Microsoft Edge Add-ons.
Navigate to your existing web application containing a Java applet. The Applet Runner automatically detects supported applets and prepares them for execution.
The CheerpJ Applet Runner detects the Java applet, starts the CheerpJ runtime and loads the application directly in your browser.
The Java applet runs directly in Chrome or Microsoft Edge without requiring a local Java installation or browser plugins, making deployment simpler for both users and IT teams.
Deployment comparison
Continue running existing Java applets in Chrome and Microsoft Edge without managing local Java installations or unsupported browser plugins.
| Requirement | Legacy Java Applet Deployment | CheerpJ Applet Runner |
|---|---|---|
| Local Java installation | Java 8 on every desktop, kept patched | Not required: the Java runtime runs in the browser, compiled to WebAssembly |
| Java browser plugin | Required, and removed from Java 11 | Not required: a browser extension, from the Chrome Web Store or Edge Add-ons |
| Oracle Java subscription | Needed for Java 8 updates in commercial use | Not required: no desktop Java to license or keep updated |
| Java security settings | Exception Site List or deployment rule sets on every desktop | Not required: applications run inside the browser's own sandbox |
| Chrome support | Not supported | Supported in current Chrome on desktop |
| Microsoft Edge support | Only in IE mode, on Windows | Supported in current Edge, no IE mode needed |
| Existing Java applets | Requires a legacy browser environment | Runs in a modern browser, straight from the page that hosts it |
| Application changes | Often tied to legacy infrastructure | No source code changes required: the existing applet JARs run as they are |
| Enterprise deployment | Desktop Java and browser management | Chrome and Edge policy support: force-install the extension across the estate |
A practical way to restore access to existing Java applets in modern browsers
Run existing Java applets without a local Java installation or unsupported browser plugins.
Use Java applets in Chrome and Microsoft Edge through the CheerpJ Applet Runner browser extension.
Supports common Java 8 functionality, including Swing, AWT, networking, file systems and clipboard access.
You can find the Documentation for the CheerpJ Applet Runner here.
The CheerpJ Applet Runner is compatible with Chrome and Edge, as well as any other Chromium-based browser.
Yes. CheerpJ is used by many organizations worldwide to run Oracle Java-based products, such as Oracle Forms and Oracle EBS, on modern browsers. This includes several Fortune 500 companies as well as local and federal government agencies.
CheerpJ allows you to keep running any legacy Java Applets that are either impossible or impractical to replace or upgrade, extending the life of your application with minimal investment.
No. The CheerpJ Applet Runner does not have any requirement on the Desktop (and does not need Java to be installed) or on the Server.
Your application can remain unchanged, and you will not need any server side integration.
Yes, we can assist you in self-hosting the CheerpJ Applet Runner so that your organisation doesn’t need to access the Chrome Web Store or the Edge Add-Ons store.
We can provide a self-hostable version of the CheerpJ Applet Runner to any organisation that requires it. Please get in touch with Enterprise Sales if you are interested in this.
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