Skip to content

Create Web Shortcut Link on Desktop using Safari on Mac

Do you want to create site shortcut links on the desktop screen from Safari app? Learn how to drag and drop site addresses for desktop shortcuts.

The Safari browser doesn’t have the option to create website shortcut links to the desktop. However, we can drag and drop the URL from the address bar to create a site shortcut.

The shortcut link will open in the default browser on the Mac.

In this guide, we have shared the steps to create the site shortcut link using the Safari app.

Create a Desktop Shortcut Link

Safari does not have built-in support to create a shortcut link on the desktop home screen. However, we can use the URL drag-and-drop feature to set a Mac desktop shortcut. Here are the steps to do:

  1. Launch the Apple Safari on a computer.
  2. Open the website that you want to create as a desktop shortcut.
  3. Resize the Safari browser window to make the desktop screen visible.
  4. Click on the URL bar and select the complete URL.
    Drag and Drop Safari Link on Mac Home Screen
  5. Drag and drop the URL text from the URL bar to the Mac desktop screen.
    Create Apple Safari Page URL Shortcut Link

This instantly creates a desktop shortcut link with file extension .WEBLOC. When you double-click to open this shortcut link, the website will be automatically loaded in the Safari browser.

If you’ve set any other default browser on a Mac, the shortcut link will open in the same browser instead of Safari app. So make sure to set the correct default browser.

Bottom Line

The desktop shortcut links are a great way to quickly access your favorite sites with a single click without searching for the website. Though Safari does not officially support this feature, a simple drag-and-drop feature on the desktop screen can create a site shortcut.

Uou need to set the Safari as the default browser in case you need to open the link within the browser. Else the .WEBLOC link will open in the set default browser.

You can, similarly, create the site shortcut on the iPhone home screen using Safari app. The shortcut links help with quick access, just like a desktop browser.

Lastly, if you've any thoughts or feedback, then feel free to drop in below comment box. You can also report the outdated information.

Please share the article if you find it helpful:

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive compensation for your purchases; of course at no extra cost to you (indeed, you may get special discounts).
Kushal Azza

Kushal Azza

Kushal Azza is a Google Certified IT Professional, Digital Content Creator, and Go-To Digital Marketer with Engineering Degree. He has over a decade of experience solving tech problems, troubleshooting, and innovating digital solutions. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Leave a thought or feedback

Please leave a descriptive comment or feedback with your real name. Our human moderator vets every comment, and it may take 24 to 48 hours to get published or rejected.

Your email address will not be published, and we will never spam your inbox. Required fields are marked *