Enable CMD + N Shortcuts in Safari

Safari and Chrome: Bridging the Tab-Switching Gap

While Apple’s Safari browser offers several benefits over Google Chrome, many users accustomed to Chrome’s functionality miss the convenience of switching tabs using the “Command + #” shortcut. Fortunately, a solution exists to replicate this Chrome feature within Safari.

Although Chrome remains a viable browser option, it is known to consume significant battery power on macOS. Safari, being natively designed for OS X, generally exhibits better energy efficiency.

Safari also incorporates unique features not found in Chrome, such as the ability to save webpages for later reading and the option to subscribe to RSS news feeds.

Adjusting to Safari’s Keyboard Shortcuts

Transitioning from Chrome to Safari can require some adjustment for established users. A frequently cited inconvenience is the absence of Chrome’s intuitive tab keyboard shortcuts.

Specifically, Chrome allows rapid navigation between up to nine open tabs using the “Command + #” key combination – for instance, “Command + 1” for the first tab, “Command + 2” for the second, and so on.

By default, Safari utilizes this key combination to access the first nine links within the Bookmark Bar.

Implementing Chrome-Like Tab Switching in Safari

A readily available workaround allows remapping of the “Command + #” keys in Safari, directing them to control tab selection instead of Bookmark Bar links. This also introduces the “Command + Shift + T” shortcut for reopening the most recently closed tab.

The Safari Tab Switching plugin is a straightforward package that can be installed within minutes. The process begins with downloading the SafariTabSwitching.zip file.

Ensure Safari is not currently running before proceeding. If it is active, utilize the "File" menu or the "Command + Q" shortcut to fully quit the application.

Unzip the downloaded plugin package and double-click the resulting file. An error dialog may appear during this step.

Navigating macOS Security Preferences

The appearance of this error message indicates that your system’s security settings are appropriately configured. Simply click "OK" and navigate to the "Security & Privacy" preferences within your system settings, selecting the "General" tab.

The system is currently configured to only allow applications from the Mac App Store and identified developers. To proceed, you must unlock the settings by clicking the lock icon and entering your system password. This will enable you to select the "Anywhere" option.

It is advisable to revert to the original security settings after the plugin installation is complete. Alternatively, you can click the "Open Anyway" button to install the Safari Tab Switching plugin without altering your security preferences.

The plugin’s installer will launch upon successful authorization.

Completing the Installation

Follow the on-screen prompts to continue the installation process. You will be prompted to enter your system password to finalize the installation of the Safari Tab Switching plugin.

Once the installation is finished, relaunch Safari, open several tabs (up to nine), and test the “Command + #” shortcut to verify its functionality. Also, close a tab and test the “Command + Shift + T” shortcut.

Uninstalling the Safari Tab Switching Plugin

Should you wish to remove the plugin, open the Terminal application and paste the following command (copying and pasting is recommended to avoid errors):

sudo rm -r "/Library/Application Support/SIMBL/Plugins/SafariTabSwitching.bundle"

You will be prompted to enter your system password to authorize this action.

Enhancing Safari’s Usability

As previously noted, the flexibility to customize keyboard shortcuts is a significant strength of the macOS operating system. Implementing these tab keyboard shortcuts in Safari enhances its usability and brings it closer to becoming a preferred everyday browser for many users.

We trust this guide has proven beneficial to those utilizing Safari. Please feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in our discussion forum.