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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use keyword search in Safari?

Enable the Keyword Search extension in Safari Settings, then type a keyword followed by your search term in the address bar.

For example, type g swift closures to search Google, or yt lofi music for YouTube.

How do I add a custom search engine?

Open the Safari extension popup and go to Settings. Tap the "+" button to add a new keyword.

Enter:

  1. A short keyword (e.g. gh)
  2. A display name (e.g. GitHub)
  3. The search URL with @@@ as the placeholder (e.g. https://github.com/search?q=@@@)
How do I search multiple engines at once?

You can combine multiple keywords in a single query. The extension will open all matching search engines for that query simultaneously.

How do I back up my keywords?

In the app, go to Settings and tap "Export". Your keyword list will be saved as a JSON file that you can store in Files, share via email, or import on another device.

To restore, tap "Import" and select your saved JSON file.

My keywords disappeared after updating Safari. What do I do?

This is a known Safari bug on macOS. To fix it:

  1. Quit Safari completely.
  2. Open Terminal and run: /System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Frameworks/LaunchServices.framework/Support/lsregister -f -R /Applications/Safari.app
  3. Relaunch Safari.
  4. Go to Safari Settings > Extensions and re-enable Keyword Search.
Why does the extension ask for "view browsing history" permission?

On modern versions of iOS and macOS, Safari requires this permission for the extension to identify the current search query in your address bar.

Keyword Search only accesses the current session's URL at the moment you perform a search to perform its routing. It does not read, store, or transmit your overall browsing history. All processing is done locally on your device.

Can I trigger searches from other apps?

Yes. Keyword Search supports a URL scheme to open the native app and perform a search:

keywordsearch://search?q=g+swift — opens the native app and automatically triggers a search with your keyword.

keywordsearch://add?keyword=gh&name=GitHub&url=https://github.com/search?q=@@@ — adds a new keyword via URL.

You can use these from the Shortcuts app, automation tools, or any app that supports URL actions to launch the search interface.

How do Bangs (!) work?

Bangs allow you to trigger a specific search engine regardless of your current search mode or location. You can use them as a prefix or suffix:

!g iphone or iphone g! — searches Google for 'iphone' even if Google is not your default.

What is the "!l" shortcut?

The !l shortcut (Last Search) automatically replaces itself with your most recent search phrase.

If you just searched for "best mechanic", you can then type !l apple maps to instantly find them on Maps without re-typing.

Can I use Siri to search?

Yes. Say "Quick Search with Keyword Search" to Siri, or use the Shortcuts app to create custom Siri phrases that trigger a keyword search.

URL Scheme Reference
Action URL Pattern Description
Search keywordsearch://search?q=QUERY Open the native app and automatically perform a keyword search (e.g., g swift).
Add keyword keywordsearch://add?keyword=KW&name=NAME&url=URL Add a new custom keyword. Use @@@ as the search placeholder in the URL.
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