Illusion: Kindle Web App Framework (HTML, CSS, JS, Mesquite)

Illusion is a framework for building custom Kindle apps using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, powered by the Mesquite web app engine found on modern Kindles. Create and run your own web-based Kindle tools, utilities, and games—no sideloading or complex modding required.

What Is Illusion?

Illusion lets you build and run web-based apps on your Kindle. Use classic web tech—HTML, CSS, and ES5 JavaScript—rendered natively via Mesquite (the same engine used for the Kindle Store and Browser). Make apps persistent, store user data, and expand your e-reader’s functionality.

Key Features

Create and run your own HTML/CSS/JS apps on Kindle (via Mesquite)
Persistent environment—apps can store state and data
Supports most ES5 JavaScript and legacy CSS (no flexbox, grid, or ES6+ syntax)
Easy adaptation: just add a config.xml file for Mesquite compatibility
Experiment, share, and modify Kindle web apps

How It Works

Build your app using HTML, CSS, and ES5 JavaScript. Add a config.xml file for Mesquite compatibility, and use the Illusion scriptlet to launch your web app directly on Kindle.

Note: Mesquite uses an old WebKit engine—use ES5 JavaScript and classic CSS only. Use Babel to transpile newer JavaScript if needed.

Compatibility

Illusion apps work on any Kindle supporting Mesquite (all modern jailbroken Kindles). Perfect for homebrew, prototypes, and Kindle hobby development.

Developer Notes

Always test on real Kindle hardware—browser emulators may behave differently.
Polyfill unsupported features and avoid modern web APIs.
Future releases may allow deeper system integration (e.g., shell command support).

See a full example: IllusionChess on GitHub

Start making Kindle web apps with Illusion—use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Mesquite to power your own e-reader creations.