Choosing a Client🔗
TAK.NZ works across four clients, all connected to the same TAK Server and showing the same Common Operating Picture. Which one you use depends on your device and your role.
| Client | Platform | Install required? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CloudTAK | Any browser | No | Quick access, evaluators, desktop/dispatch use |
| ATAK | Android phone/tablet | Yes | Field operators — most features, most actively developed |
| TAK Aware | iPhone/iPad | Yes | Field operators on Apple devices |
| WinTAK | Windows laptop/desktop | Yes | Vehicle-mounted displays, command posts, planning |
If you're not sure🔗
Start with CloudTAK. It requires no installation, runs in any modern browser, and gives you the full Common Operating Picture — channels, map icons, overlays, data packages, and chat — without needing to enrol a device first. It's the fastest way to get a feel for the platform.
Once you're comfortable with the basics, move to a mobile client (ATAK or TAK Aware) if you need TAK in the field, on a device that goes with you and reports your live position.
Feature comparison at a glance🔗
- ATAK has the broadest feature set and the most active development, since it's the reference implementation most plugins and integrations are built for.
- TAK Aware covers the core situational awareness and coordination features but doesn't yet have full feature parity with ATAK.
- WinTAK covers most ATAK features on a Windows desktop or laptop, useful where a larger screen or keyboard/mouse input is more practical than a phone.
- CloudTAK runs anywhere with a browser and is TAK.NZ's own web client, actively developed alongside the rest of the platform.
Enrolling a mobile device (ATAK/TAK Aware)🔗
ATAK and TAK Aware both support QR code enrolment, which is the fastest way to connect a device to the TAK.NZ server without manually typing in server addresses or credentials. You'll generate a QR code from the account portal (or have one provided by your administrator), then scan it from within the app during setup. Full steps are covered on each client's page:
Next steps🔗
Pick your client from the list above, or head to the Clients overview to compare them side by side before installing.