CopyURL — Quickly Copy Links with One Click

CopyURL Tutorial: Install, Use, and Customize ShortcutsCopyURL is a lightweight tool for quickly copying links and URLs from browsers, apps, or documents and sharing them across devices or apps. This tutorial explains how to install CopyURL, use its core features, and customize keyboard and app shortcuts to speed up your workflow. Whether you’re a casual user who wants faster link sharing or a power user automating repetitive tasks, this guide will walk you through everything step by step.

What is CopyURL?

CopyURL extracts and copies the current page’s URL, a selected link, or a formatted link for sharing. It may integrate with system clipboards, browser extensions, and automation tools to let you copy, format, and push URLs with minimal friction.

System requirements and compatibility

• Windows ⁄₁₁, macOS 10.14+ (or later), and many Linux distributions are commonly supported.
• Browser extensions available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
• Optional integration with automation tools (e.g., Shortcuts on macOS/iOS, AutoHotkey on Windows).

Installation

1. Download:

   • Visit the official CopyURL website or the platform-specific app store (Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, Microsoft Store, Mac App Store).
   • Choose the appropriate installer or extension.

2. Install on desktop:

   • macOS: Open the .dmg, drag CopyURL to Applications, then launch and grant any requested accessibility permissions (for global shortcuts).
   • Windows: Run the .exe/.msi installer and follow prompts. Grant permission if the app needs to register global hotkeys.
   • Linux: Use the distro’s package or a provided AppImage; mark executable and run.

3. Install browser extension:

   • Open the extension store for your browser, search for CopyURL, click Install/Add, and follow prompts. Allow necessary permissions to access tab URLs.

4. First launch & permissions:

   • On first run, grant clipboard and accessibility permissions if prompted. This allows CopyURL to register global shortcuts and copy without focusing the app.

Basic usage

• Copy current page URL:

  • Using the browser extension: click the CopyURL icon in the toolbar. It copies the address bar URL to the clipboard immediately.
  • Using a global shortcut: press the configured hotkey (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+C on Windows or Cmd+Shift+C on macOS) to copy the active window/tab URL.

• Copy a specific link:

  • Right-click a link and choose “Copy with CopyURL” or use the browser extension context menu to copy in preferred formats (plain URL, markdown, HTML).

• Paste & share:

  • After copying, paste into chat, email, or document with Ctrl+V/Cmd+V.

Formatting options

CopyURL typically offers formats:

• Plain URL: https://example.com
• Markdown: Title
• HTML: Title
• Title only: The page title (useful for saving references)

In the extension or app settings, pick your default format. You can also choose to include UTM parameters, remove tracking, or shorten links via an integrated shortener.

Customizing shortcuts

Custom shortcuts speed up copying without leaving your keyboard.

1. Accessing shortcut settings:

   • Desktop app: Open Preferences → Shortcuts (or Keyboard).
   • Browser extension: Open extension options → Shortcuts (or use browser extension shortcuts in chrome://extensions/shortcuts).

2. Types of shortcuts:

   • Global shortcut: Works system-wide to copy the active window/tab URL.
   • Browser-only shortcut: Works only when the browser is active.
   • Context-menu shortcut: Assign keys to copy links without opening menus.

3. Assigning a shortcut:

   • Click the shortcut field, press the desired key combination (avoid commonly used combos like Ctrl+C).
   • Example choices:
     • Windows global: Ctrl+Alt+C
     • macOS global: Cmd+Option+C
     • Browser: Ctrl+Shift+L

4. Conflicts & tips:

   • If a shortcut doesn’t work, ensure the app has accessibility permissions and that the combination isn’t used by another app.
   • Use modifiers (Ctrl/Cmd, Alt/Option, Shift) to reduce accidental triggers.

Advanced features & automation

• Clipboard history: Some versions keep a history of copied URLs. Access it from the tray/menu bar and re-copy older items.
• Link shortening: Connect with Bitly or another shortener via API key to produce short links automatically.
• Remove tracking/query parameters: Enable “clean URLs” to strip UTM or other tracking parameters.
• Export/import settings: Transfer configurations between devices via export files.
• Integration with automation:
  • macOS Shortcuts: Create a shortcut that triggers CopyURL to copy then save to Notes or send via Messages.
  • Windows AutoHotkey: Use a script to simulate the CopyURL hotkey and then paste into a specific app.
  • Zapier/IFTTT: Send copied URLs to a spreadsheet, Slack channel, or bookmarking service.

Example macOS Shortcut:

• Trigger: Run Shortcut (shortcut key)
• Action 1: Run JavaScript for Automation — get active Safari/Chrome tab URL.
• Action 2: Copy to Clipboard.
• Action 3: Append to Notes file.

Troubleshooting

• Shortcut not working:

  • Ensure accessibility/keyboard permissions granted.
  • Check for conflicting global shortcuts.
  • Restart the app and OS if needed.

• Extension can’t access URL:

  • Verify extension permissions.
  • Ensure the browser’s privacy settings don’t block access.

• Clipboard not updating:

  • Try clearing clipboard history or restarting Clipboard service.
  • On macOS, kill and relaunch pboard: killall pboard (Terminal).

Security & privacy considerations

• CopyURL needs clipboard access; verify it doesn’t send clipboard contents to third-party servers unless explicitly configured.
• If using URL shorteners or cloud sync, review API keys and privacy settings.
• For sensitive links, prefer local-only features and disable automatic syncing.

Example workflows

• Quick sharing in meetings:

  • Press your global CopyURL shortcut, paste into chat — no alt-tabbing.

• Building a reading list:

  • Use CopyURL to copy markdown links and append them to a notes file or Obsidian daily note via automation.

• Bulk bookmarking:

  • Use clipboard history to collect links during browsing, then export to CSV or push to a bookmarking service with Zapier.

Summary

CopyURL streamlines copying and formatting links with simple installation, customizable shortcuts, and integrations for automation. Configure the format and shortcuts that match your workflow, enable privacy-friendly options, and use automation for repetitive tasks.