Browser Actions
Well-rounded macOS Shortcuts support for Brave Browser, Chromium, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi. And for Safari.
Currently in development. Public TestFlight soon — sign up for the Mailing List to get notified.
New Shortcuts Actions. Just BYOB*.
*) Bring Your Own Browser
Unified Shortcuts actions for all browsers: No need to add a separate action for each browser (see screenshot above).
Creating, accessing, manipulating and closing tabs and windows. Getting page information, like title, URL, current selection, the up-to-date DOM document, all of the text. Filling out and submitting forms. Running arbitrary Javascript in tabs. etc.
This is what I have implemented so far. And I'm not done yet, not by a long shot! My roadmap document has a lot of unchecked boxes still, and I'm having a blast ticking them off one by one, but it's also pretty fun to think about all that's possible with Browser Actions.
✈️ Want a front-row seat in the upcoming macOS TestFlight? Then sign up for the mailing list or join the ActionsDotWork forum to get notified as soon as I get it going!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this app exist?
I spend my days in my browsers. I also automate a lot of things using the built-in macOS Shortcuts automation system, but Chrome etc. lacks support for Shortcuts. Getting data out of these browsers usually requires either software development and scripting experience, or the use of external tools and services. I wanted to change that, to remove that external step, and so Browser Actions was born.
Will there be an iOS version?
Unfortunately, no. Browser Actions relies on technology that's simply not available on iOS, I'm afraid.
Does it support Firefox?
No, it currently does not. Browser Actions relies on AppleScript support in its target browsers, which sadly was removed from Firefox a long time ago. That being said, I'm not ruling out the possibility of me adding Firefox support to Browser Actions in the future; it depends on the number, size and shapes of burning hoops I'd have to jump through to make it happen. 😉
What's the pricing model?
I'm not ready to go into details yet, but I can tell you that it will be a one-time purchase for personal/family use, while commercial use will require a subscription. ("Commercial use" refers to using the app for revenue-generating or work-related activities within a for-profit company or organization.)
And just like with Actions for Obsidian, there will be a lengthy trial period.
Safari already has Shortcuts support. Why do I need this?
One major goal is to provide a unified interface to the supported browsers, and I'd be remiss to exclude Safari. And most actions will behave the same in every supported browser. If you want to switch browsers at some point, you'll just need to select the new browser in your Shortcuts workflows, you won't need to rebuild them.
Another goal is to give you powerful yet convenient Shortcuts support. As an example: Have you ever tried to submit a form in Safari, from Shortcuts? It can be done, but convenient it is not. 😉
Couldn't I just use AppleScript instead?
Of course you could, and in fact that's one of the technologies Browser Actions uses under the hood. Being one of Apple's more baffling inventions, AS is not exactly known for its ease of use or exhilarating developer experience, though. 😅
Sounds Good? Allow Me To Keep In Touch.
Stay up to date with Browser Actions's progress, my apps, beta testing and upcoming releases.
A place to discuss your Shortcuts workflows. You can also ask questions, share your ideas and report bugs. Lots of friendly people there.
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