Switchbar API

Switchbar provides a URL-based API for opening links in browsers and email clients using your configured rules.

URL Format

switchbar://open/<link>

Supported link types:

• https://
• http://
• mailto:

Append the link directly without percent-encoding it.

Switchbar applies your existing rules and link settings. If no rule matches, it prompts you to choose where to open the link.

Examples

Terminal

macOS

open "switchbar://open/https://example.com"
open "switchbar://open/mailto:hello@example.com"

Windows

start "" "switchbar://open/https://example.com"

AppleScript

open location "switchbar://open/https://example.com"

JavaScript

window.location.href = "switchbar://open/https://example.com";

Swift

let url = URL(string: "switchbar://open/https://example.com")!
NSWorkspace.shared.open(url)

Choosy Compatibility

Switchbar also supports Choosy URL schemes, allowing existing scripts and integrations to work without modification.

Supported URL prefixes:

x-choosy://open/
x-choosy://prompt.all/
x-choosy://prompt.running/
x-choosy://best.all/
x-choosy://best.running/

Append the target link to the appropriate prefix.