Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
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0
votes
3
answers
526
views
Keyboard shortcut (or automator app) to open currently open finder window?
I have a Stream Deck and I am hoping I can make a button I can press that will activate finder and move me to a currently open finder window - just as if I clicked on Finder on the Dock. (I can do this for every other app by just launching the app) I figured out how to "launch" finder by launching t...
I have a Stream Deck and I am hoping I can make a button I can press that will activate finder and move me to a currently open finder window - just as if I clicked on Finder on the Dock. (I can do this for every other app by just launching the app) I figured out how to "launch" finder by launching the Finder app tucked away in the System folder, but it doesn't quite do what I want (see below.)
I've gotten very close from these other articles:
https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/114933/is-there-a-keyboard-shortcut-to-bring-up-finder
https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/322902/how-to-automate-right-clicking-finders-dock-icon-and-choosing-action
But they all do the same thing as
>
open -a Finder
in terminal——they make Finder active, but *if I have a finder window open on another monitor in full screen* it does not move to it, it only shows Finder in the menu bar.
I can't seem to find a way emulate the exact action of clicking the icon in the dock, which *does indeed* jump to the correct "spaces desktop" (full screen Finder window) on another monitor, whether via keyboard shortcut, shortcuts app, stream deck's app, automator, AppleScript, or terminal command - however I am by no means an expert in automator, Shortcuts, AppleScript, or terminal.
I tried "watch me do" in automator, and it'd work if I didn't hide my dock, but I do. :/
Dusey
(21 rep)
Sep 12, 2022, 09:54 PM
• Last activity: Jul 29, 2025, 02:10 PM
2
votes
1
answers
1490
views
How to use Spotlight to open a Chrome Bookmark?
After using mac for a while now, I am often find that I am missing a few features and I am wondering if I am missing something. Is there a way to open Chrome bookmarks from Spotlight? What I am looking for is a one stop tool to open my bookmarks from anywhere on my Mac.
After using mac for a while now, I am often find that I am missing a few features and I am wondering if I am missing something.
Is there a way to open Chrome bookmarks from Spotlight? What I am looking for is a one stop tool to open my bookmarks from anywhere on my Mac.
Tomer Shukhman
(21 rep)
Nov 6, 2022, 05:42 PM
• Last activity: Jul 24, 2025, 06:03 AM
4
votes
1
answers
3523
views
Privacy settings do not allow shortcut to load external web content
Since updating to iOS 17, some of my Shortcuts fail to work on some web pages in Safari (only). For example I have a shortcut to use Mail to send the current webpage to me, but now on about have the websites where I attempt to use it, I get an error I've never seen before: > The web content could no...
Since updating to iOS 17, some of my Shortcuts fail to work on some web pages in Safari (only). For example I have a shortcut to use Mail to send the current webpage to me, but now on about have the websites where I attempt to use it, I get an error I've never seen before:
> The web content could not be loaded because your privacy settings do not allow this shortcut to load external web content. You can change this in the Privacy tab of the shortcut's settings.
On the Shortcut's privacy tab I've got Safari (were there always two entries?) configured to Always Allow, which is clearly respected for the pages that work so that's not the issue. (In fact I've reset the Shortcut's privacy several times to be sure.)
Why am I getting this message? What can I do to prevent the error and restore my Shortcut's functionality?
On the Shortcut's privacy tab I've got Safari (were there always two entries?) configured to Always Allow, which is clearly respected for the pages that work so that's not the issue. (In fact I've reset the Shortcut's privacy several times to be sure.)
Why am I getting this message? What can I do to prevent the error and restore my Shortcut's functionality?
orome
(12163 rep)
Sep 23, 2023, 05:19 PM
• Last activity: Jul 21, 2025, 11:03 AM
1
votes
1
answers
159
views
How to configure shortcut too toggle keyboard light
How to configure shortcut to toggle keyboard light on and off on MacBook Air M2? Like I am have set it to 20% and when I press shortcut it sets to 0%, then if I press the shortcut again it sets to 20% again(toggling). I am tired to enter setting, or open menubar thing to add 1% of keyboard backlight...
How to configure shortcut to toggle keyboard light on and off on MacBook Air M2?
Like I am have set it to 20% and when I press shortcut it sets to 0%, then if I press the shortcut again it sets to 20% again(toggling).
I am tired to enter setting, or open menubar thing to add 1% of keyboard backlight to type 10 words and then turn it back off. Any app for this situation?
Vladyslav Rehan
(145 rep)
Feb 18, 2023, 12:16 PM
• Last activity: Jul 8, 2025, 05:05 AM
1
votes
1
answers
291
views
Batch Change Created Date using Automator and CSV File
I have 1,500-some Facebook photos all showing with the same date as they come from a data download. Through the magic of regular expressions, I have generated a TSV file where each row has the filename on the left and the correct timestamp on the right, example being: `13170030_982552864458_69609533...
I have 1,500-some Facebook photos all showing with the same date as they come from a data download.
Through the magic of regular expressions, I have generated a TSV file where each row has the filename on the left and the correct timestamp on the right, example being:
13170030_982552864458_69609533_o_982552864458.jpg{tab}7/29/2017 4:47:23 PM
How would I go about batch changing the taken/modified/created dates for these files in Automator or Shortcuts?
I also have a Windows PC so if this isn't possible with MacOS but you know of a solution using Powershell or a COTS Windows product off-of-the-top-of-your-head, that's fine with me.
Phil Hobrla
(111 rep)
Apr 14, 2022, 12:05 PM
• Last activity: Jun 30, 2025, 07:04 AM
5
votes
1
answers
4604
views
Shortcut to Clear History and Website Data
Clear History and Website Data for Safari is deeply hidden in Settings. Tap, tap, tap. With the new Shortcuts App in iOS 13 can I create a shortcut to clear history?
Clear History and Website Data for Safari is deeply hidden in Settings. Tap, tap, tap.
With the new Shortcuts App in iOS 13 can I create a shortcut to clear history?
user1785730
(674 rep)
Oct 18, 2019, 08:04 PM
• Last activity: Jun 30, 2025, 06:02 AM
0
votes
1
answers
130
views
Karabiner-Elements ignore input source
Is there a way to send same keycode with different input source languages with Karabiner-Elements complex modification rules? I want to send `?` (questionmark) symbol with same keyboard shortcut using different languages, e.g. **"en"** and **"uk"**. So pressing `right_option` + `semicolon` result: `...
Is there a way to send same keycode with different input source languages with Karabiner-Elements complex modification rules?
I want to send
? (questionmark) symbol with same keyboard shortcut using different languages, e.g. **"en"** and **"uk"**. So pressing right_option + semicolon result: ?.
Currently:
...
{
"from": {
"key_code": "semicolon",
"modifiers": {
"mandatory": ["right_option"]
}
},
"to": [
{
"key_code": "slash",
"modifiers": ["left_shift"]
}
],
"type": "basic"
}
..."input_source": {
"input_source_id": "com.apple.keylayout.Ukrainian-PC",
"language": "uk"
}, (comma) - not what is expected.
Tried to use https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/docs/json/complex-modifications-manipulator-definition/conditions/input-source/ with input_source_if field - but could not accomplish what's expected.
Edit:
What is it for?
I need symbol layer to be equally accessible from botch input source (probably more inputs sources in future) without making duplicated complex modification rules with multiple conditions statements like this:
"conditions": [
{
"type": "input_source_if",
"input_sources": [
{
"language": "uk"
}
]
}
]shift+/ is not mapped to ?. So I've to remap each individual symbol like so: ukr= shift+7, eng = shift+/
webdev4422
(1 rep)
Aug 8, 2024, 06:44 PM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2025, 11:04 PM
2
votes
1
answers
1294
views
Is there any way to append text to files outside the Shortcuts directory via iOS Shortcuts.app?
I would like to create a shortcut (in the Shortcuts app) to append text to a csv file. The file already exists. For a variety of reasons I don't want to move the file from its current location to `iCloud Drive/Shortcuts` — not least because this would cause some disruption to existing workflows...
I would like to create a shortcut (in the Shortcuts app) to append text to a csv file.
The file already exists. For a variety of reasons I don't want to move the file from its current location to
iCloud Drive/Shortcuts — not least because this would cause some disruption to existing workflows and file sharing, and negate any of the time saving benefit of the shortcut.
The Shortcuts app is obviously sandboxed to iCloud Drive/Shortcuts. But is there a way to safely work within this restriction while still appending text to files outside the Shortcuts directory?
I have had a look at aliasing/ symlinking the file, and have also considered scripting. But so far have not found a workable solution.
I'm wondering of there is any clever way to maintain all of the safety and benefit that Shortcuts.app's sandboxed approach offers, while still allowing explicitly defined and approved files/ locations to be modified.
(I realise that I could configure the shortcut to have the user select the file each time the shortcut runs, but as the file location will never change and I will be the only person using this shortcut, I'd prefer to streamline this step.)
Thanks for any suggestions
Andy Harvey
(121 rep)
Sep 11, 2021, 06:14 PM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2025, 10:07 PM
0
votes
1
answers
200
views
Batch modify metadata for local music files in the macOS Apple Music app using regex
I would like to batch modify metadata for local music files (mainly AAC in m4a, with some mp3) in my local music library from the macOS Apple Music app using regex. Specifically, I'd like to retitle tracks using matching groups from a regex on the existing title. Can this be done via any Apple scrip...
I would like to batch modify metadata for local music files (mainly AAC in m4a, with some mp3) in my local music library from the macOS Apple Music app using regex.
Specifically, I'd like to retitle tracks using matching groups from a regex on the existing title.
Can this be done via any Apple scripting facilities, like the Shortcuts app, the Automator app, or any other Apple-provided scripting?
In Shortcuts, I tried to pass the output from a "Find Music" action to a "Run JavaScript for Mac Automation" action, but I keep getting errors (like
The operation couldn’t be completed. (WFMacHelperErrorDomain error 1.) even when I don't modify the run function at all) no matter what I do.
If not, do any third-party scripting facilities work with the Apple Music API such that the files get modified through Apple Music, instead of directly modifying the files, then having Apple Music scan the file system for changes?
If nothing works with the Apple Music API, what third-party tools/libraries offer batch regex music metadata parsing & modification? For third-party scripting, I'd prefer JavaScript/zsh/Java/Kotlin/etc.
XDR
(664 rep)
Sep 4, 2024, 09:44 AM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2025, 06:04 PM
3
votes
1
answers
355
views
MacOS Shortcut using Shell Script exit status
If I use a "Run Shell Script" action, and then drag an "If" beneath it... it seems it's only able to interact with "Shell Script Result", which I think is any terminal output. This means the If block can only switch on whether there's output or not. Is there a way I can switch on exit status? I'd li...
If I use a "Run Shell Script" action, and then drag an "If" beneath it... it seems it's only able to interact with "Shell Script Result", which I think is any terminal output.
This means the If block can only switch on whether there's output or not.
Is there a way I can switch on exit status? I'd like to pop up a notification on success, or a warning message on failure.
RCross
(602 rep)
Sep 12, 2024, 01:07 PM
• Last activity: Jun 29, 2025, 08:08 AM
2
votes
0
answers
98
views
Is there any way to backup macOS Shortcuts without iCloud?
Is there any way to back up Shortcuts created on macOS (so they can be restored on another macOS device) without using iCloud Drive?
Is there any way to back up Shortcuts created on macOS (so they can be restored on another macOS device) without using iCloud Drive?
seadowg
(121 rep)
Jun 20, 2025, 08:38 AM
• Last activity: Jun 21, 2025, 05:49 PM
2
votes
1
answers
668
views
How do I get chained shortcuts to work on HomePod?
I have iOS Shortcuts that call other shortcuts. Shortcut A creates an input for Shortcut X and calls Shortcut X. Shortcut B creates a different input for Shortcut X and calls Shortcut X. Shortcut X starts with "Receive `Text` input from `Nothing`. If there's no input: `Continue`" On my iPhone, I can...
I have iOS Shortcuts that call other shortcuts. Shortcut A creates an input for Shortcut X and calls Shortcut X. Shortcut B creates a different input for Shortcut X and calls Shortcut X. Shortcut X starts with "Receive
Text input from Nothing. If there's no input: Continue"
On my iPhone, I can run Shortcuts A and B via "Hey, Siri" with no further prompting, but when I run them via Siri on my HomePod, they fail while waiting for me to respond to an input prompt on the iPhone.
Is there something I am doing wrong, or is this just a bug in homeOS?
Old Pro
(6220 rep)
Oct 8, 2021, 10:23 AM
• Last activity: Jun 21, 2025, 05:08 AM
8
votes
2
answers
29355
views
What is the file path to an iCloud Drive file?
Imagine I have a file in `iCloud Drive/Sounds/Foo.mp3`. I want to play it via the `Play sound` action in the Shortcuts app. I need to use `Get File`. When I use `Get File` I can choose the `iCloud Drive` service, but then if I want to hardcode the sound file to play, it asks me to manually enter in...
Imagine I have a file in
iCloud Drive/Sounds/Foo.mp3. I want to play it via the Play sound action in the Shortcuts app.
I need to use Get File. When I use Get File I can choose the iCloud Drive service, but then if I want to hardcode the sound file to play, it asks me to manually enter in the path starting with /Shortcuts/.
I tried entering /Shortcuts/Sounds/Foo.mp3 and /Shortcuts/Sounds/Foo, but both said:
> # The file doesn't exist.
> The file "Foo" couldn't be opened because there is no such file.
How do I specify a path to a file in iCloud Drive in the Shortcuts app?
Senseful
(24445 rep)
Dec 12, 2019, 03:34 PM
• Last activity: Jun 20, 2025, 03:35 AM
0
votes
1
answers
2509
views
How to Count in an iOS/macOS/watchOS Shortcut?
I haven’t been able to figure out (or find where Apple documents variables) inside a shortcut that works with the three shortcut platforms I wish to use: iOS/macOS/watchOS. There is a repeat_count available in a repeat loop, but it is quite limited. Is a counter function possible in shortcuts?
I haven’t been able to figure out (or find where Apple documents variables) inside a shortcut that works with the three shortcut platforms I wish to use: iOS/macOS/watchOS.
There is a repeat_count available in a repeat loop, but it is quite limited.
Is a counter function possible in shortcuts?
Christopher Allen
(365 rep)
Sep 17, 2023, 06:06 AM
• Last activity: Jun 8, 2025, 12:43 PM
-1
votes
1
answers
56
views
Can't translate text
I'm trying to configure the Apple UI to be able to right click-> services -> translate. I got to Shorcuts app; gallery; get a ready-made "translate text" shortcut. When I go to use it from right click; services; toSpanish, instead of translation, I get this Apple dialog with all buttons greyed out....
I'm trying to configure the Apple UI to be able to right click-> services -> translate. I got to Shorcuts app; gallery; get a ready-made "translate text" shortcut.
When I go to use it from right click; services; toSpanish, instead of translation, I get this Apple dialog with all buttons greyed out. (they become greyed out when I mouse over this dialog to click on one of them) Does anyone know how to make this work? What's the combination of meta keys I'm supposed to hold to be able to click a button?
below are details of the shortcut in shortcuts whose shortcut doesn't shortcut. (genius nomenclature, btw.)
below are details of the shortcut in shortcuts whose shortcut doesn't shortcut. (genius nomenclature, btw.)
Earnest Frankly
(509 rep)
May 7, 2025, 03:53 AM
• Last activity: Jun 7, 2025, 12:01 PM
2
votes
1
answers
453
views
Is it possible to create a Shortcut that links a foto to a marker on a map?
I'd like to create an iOS / ipadOS Shortcut that, when called, lets me take a photograph, add a caption and store the device's current position as a map marker. The idea is to mark interesting locations for a "proper" photography session, so I can return there with better gear when the light is righ...
I'd like to create an iOS / ipadOS Shortcut that, when called, lets me take a photograph, add a caption and store the device's current position as a map marker. The idea is to mark interesting locations for a "proper" photography session, so I can return there with better gear when the light is right.
I'm completely open with regard to the apps involved -- as long as it outputs some sort of GPX or KML.
It does not seem trivially possible with iOS's bundled actions and apps -- so how can I create such a Shortcut?
jstarek
(3716 rep)
Jan 9, 2022, 07:22 PM
• Last activity: Jun 6, 2025, 03:01 AM
5
votes
1
answers
12559
views
Shortcut to switch off and on individual cellular network
iPhone iOS13 w/ dual SIMS: T-Mobile (EU) & AT&T (US). I need help shortcut script: * IF I arrive home THEN * turn on airplane mode and WIFI * GO To Settings -- Cellular (Cellular Plans) * 1 Cellular plan (T-Mobile) Turn ON / 2 Cellular Plan (AT&T) Turn ON * IF I leave home THEN * turn off airplane m...
iPhone iOS13 w/ dual SIMS: T-Mobile (EU) & AT&T (US). I need help shortcut script:
* IF I arrive home THEN
* turn on airplane mode and WIFI
* GO To Settings -- Cellular (Cellular Plans)
* 1 Cellular plan (T-Mobile) Turn ON / 2 Cellular Plan (AT&T) Turn ON
* IF I leave home THEN
* turn off airplane mode and
* GO To Settings -- Cellular (Cellular Plans)and
* 1 Cellular plan (T-Mobile) Turn ON / 2 Cellular Plan (AT&T) Turn OFF
This allows the user access to WIFI calling only while at home location and local cellular plan use while outside of home.
[Turning off Network completely: Not just 'data' but the complete network mobile line. Ex: T-Mobile is 'active' and AT&T turns off.]
DrPsych
(51 rep)
May 25, 2020, 02:10 PM
• Last activity: Jun 1, 2025, 10:08 PM
0
votes
1
answers
249
views
Get Current Timer shortcut not working as intended on WatchOS
I am trying to create a Shortcut that sets a timer based on an input and then retrieve the duration of the timer using the Get Current Timer action (see image below). However, it appears that the Get Current Timer action does not have the intended result in WatchOS. When I set the timer to 5 minutes...
I am trying to create a Shortcut that sets a timer based on an input and then retrieve the duration of the timer using the Get Current Timer action (see image below). However, it appears that the Get Current Timer action does not have the intended result in WatchOS. When I set the timer to 5 minutes, the notification indicates 0s. The Apple Watch is on WatchOS 10.1.1.
The same Shortcut works as intended on the iPhone, and the notification indicates 300s.
rkshthrmsh
(1 rep)
Nov 27, 2023, 07:08 PM
• Last activity: May 29, 2025, 12:05 PM
2
votes
1
answers
436
views
Applescript search and delete specific Mac Text Messages
Hackers have daily targeted my **Mac Messages** app. I get a dozen or so messages daily from similar but slightly differing handles. For example: [![Screenshot of targeted spam][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/NldoG.png All of the handles using an email address has consistently utilized "pqe@iclou...
Hackers have daily targeted my **Mac Messages** app. I get a dozen or so messages daily from similar but slightly differing handles.
For example:
All of the handles using an email address has consistently utilized "pqe@icloud.com" at the end of the address. Yet, last week, these hackers are now using phone numbers too. So I can't programatically search for messages by handle now that email *and* phone number is used.
**However**, *the message body copy is the same*:
> "Hello there"
Can I use actionscript to specifically target any message with "Hello there" string, then delete it without all the modal windows asking if I am sure, or if I want to report spam? And also a schedule the script to run every minute or so?
Thank you so much!
Bruce
All of the handles using an email address has consistently utilized "pqe@icloud.com" at the end of the address. Yet, last week, these hackers are now using phone numbers too. So I can't programatically search for messages by handle now that email *and* phone number is used.
**However**, *the message body copy is the same*:
> "Hello there"
Can I use actionscript to specifically target any message with "Hello there" string, then delete it without all the modal windows asking if I am sure, or if I want to report spam? And also a schedule the script to run every minute or so?
Thank you so much!
Bruce
Bruce Christy
(21 rep)
Jul 27, 2022, 01:46 AM
• Last activity: May 25, 2025, 01:07 PM
2
votes
1
answers
4242
views
iOS Shortcuts-app - how do I trim a text field?
Given the following iOS Shortcuts-app snippet to trim a text string up to the first n (in this case 6) characters, is there a simpler way of doing this? ``` Text "0123456789ABC” Set Variable String to Text Replace "^.{0,6}" with "" in Text (regex ON) Replace Updated Text with "" in String ``` ``` Re...
Given the following iOS Shortcuts-app snippet to trim a text string up to the first n (in this case 6) characters, is there a simpler way of doing this?
Text "0123456789ABC”
Set Variable String to Text
Replace "^.{0,6}" with "" in Text (regex ON)
Replace Updated Text with "" in StringResult "012345"
Grytr
(21 rep)
Apr 14, 2023, 11:16 AM
• Last activity: May 25, 2025, 06:04 AM
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