Trigger RewriteBar

RewriteBar gives you multiple ways to run commands, from quick keyboard flows to automation.

Before You Start

Make sure you have completed setup first:

1. Activate your license/trial
2. Grant Accessibility permission
3. Configure at least one AI provider

If you have not done this yet, follow Setup.

1. Global Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest)

This is the default way to trigger RewriteBar while writing.

1. Select text in any app
2. Press your configured RewriteBar shortcut
3. Choose a command from the command list
4. Press Enter to run the command
5. Apply the result in the review window with Cmd + Enter

Manage your shortcut in RewriteBar settings. See Shortcuts for command and review window keys.

2. Menu Bar App

Use this when you want to work without selecting text first.

1. Click the RewriteBar icon in the macOS menu bar
2. Type or paste text into RewriteBar
3. Pick a command
4. Copy the output and paste it where you need it

3. PopClip Integration

If you use PopClip, you can trigger RewriteBar directly from selected text.

You can install two PopClip modes:

1. Open the RewriteBar command menu
2. Run one specific command directly

Full setup and examples: PopClip Integration.

4. Apple Shortcuts

You can trigger RewriteBar from Apple Shortcuts using a URL.

1. Open the Shortcuts app
2. Create a shortcut
3. Add an Open URLs action
4. Use a RewriteBar URL (examples below)
5. Optionally pin the shortcut to menu bar, Spotlight, or a keyboard shortcut

This is useful for personal automations and repeat workflows.

5. URL Scheme (Automation)

RewriteBar supports URL-based triggers.

Open command menu

rewritebar://command-menu

Run a specific command

rewritebar://command/<command-slug>

Example:

rewritebar://command/fix-grammar-spelling

Install a command from a link

rewritebar://install-command/<command-slug>

Example:

rewritebar://install-command/fix-grammar-spelling

Install-command URLs are covered in Install Commands.

Which Method Should You Use?

If you want to...	Best trigger
Rewrite while typing with minimum friction	Global keyboard shortcut
Rewrite text without selecting in-place	Menu bar app
Trigger from text selection UI	PopClip
Trigger RewriteBar from Stream Deck	Apple Shortcuts
Trigger from Apple Scripts	URL scheme

Troubleshooting Triggers

If RewriteBar does not open when triggered:

1. Confirm RewriteBar is running
2. Re-check Accessibility permission
3. Re-check shortcut conflicts with other apps
4. Restart RewriteBar after shortcut changes

See Troubleshooting for full steps.