---
title: "Trigger RewriteBar in Any Mac App"
description: "Learn how to trigger RewriteBar from any macOS app with selected text, keyboard shortcuts, the command menu, and automation."
url: "https://rewritebar.com/docs/getting-started/trigger-rewritebar"
---

# Trigger RewriteBar

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

![RewriteBar command menu](https://rewritebar.com/_next/image?url=%2Fdocs%2Fgetting-started%2Ftrigger-rewritebar%2Fhow-to-trigger-rewritebar.jpg&w=1920&q=75&dpl=dpl_4KZbmhoMe4K5iB6QU6uon9fz7shP)

## 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](https://rewritebar.com/docs/getting-started/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](https://rewritebar.com/docs/core-features/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](https://rewritebar.com/docs/core-features/popclip).

## 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

```text
rewritebar://command-menu

```

### Run a specific command

```text
rewritebar://command/<command-slug>

```

Example:

```text
rewritebar://command/fix-grammar-spelling

```

### Install a command from a link

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

```

Example:

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

```

Install-command URLs are covered in [Install Commands](https://rewritebar.com/docs/core-features/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](https://rewritebar.com/docs/troubleshooting) for full steps.