How to create a .URL file?

Question

Level 2

491 points

How to create a .URL file?

I know that if I drag a URL from the address bar to the desktop, it creates a .webloc file which when double-clicked will open the default browser and go to that site. I believe, though, that this kind of file works only in the Mac environment. I've seen another type of file, .URL, which does the same thing and which I believe was created in Windows, but also works in the Mac. I'd like to know how to create such files, to send to my unfortunate Windows-using family and friends. Does anyone know how to create a .URL file in the Mac environment?

MacBook Pro 17" 2.16GHz, Mac OS X (10.5.2), 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, SuperDrive

Posted on May 12, 2008 7:29 AM

Reply

Answer 1

HandyMac Author

Level 2

491 points

May 12, 2008 12:42 PM in response to Tom_X

Uh, thanks, I guess. I tried making the file you suggest, but when double-clicked it went to Safari and did nothing. I tried the URL https://www.apple.com but it got me a "page not found". Then I tried http without the s and it worked. So then I tried putting in a different URL, and it worked also. So now I know how to do it -- but a simple explanation would have been a little more helpful.

Reply

Answer 2

Tom_X

Level 5

5,260 points

May 12, 2008 12:58 PM in response to HandyMac

<https://www.apple.com/> Goes to Apple! I can't help it if your OS is screwed up!

but a simple explanation would have been a little more helpful

Next time I see you post I'll tell you to Google it!

WAJYA

Tom

Reply

Answer 3

HandyMac Author

Level 2

491 points

May 14, 2008 7:11 AM in response to Dimaxum

It works. I must have mistyped it the first time I tried it. I was confused by the "https", which is the prefix for a secure site you have to sign into with a password (e.g. PayPal), which the Apple site certainly isn't; its real URL is http://www.apple.com.

Reply

Answer 4

May 14, 2008 7:49 AM in response to HandyMac

HandyMac wrote:
...*I was confused*...

That sums it up 😉 - https://www.apple.com and http://www.apple.com both point to the Apple website and load it just fine; the 's' doesn't matter in this case.

It may be that you've exposed an unrelated issue you may be having with connecting to secure websites - and as Tom says, that's an issue with your OS, not the instructions he posted (which couldn't have been simpler!).

Reply

Answer 5

Tom_X

Level 5

5,260 points

May 12, 2008 11:40 AM in response to HandyMac

Set TextEdit to txt (Command Shift T) and use the blue code below.
Then save it as GET A MAC.url and send it to your Windows friends.

Tom

Message was edited by: Tom

Reply

Answer 6

Dimaxum

Level 5

5,997 points

May 13, 2008 9:15 PM in response to HandyMac

Hi,

I don't understand why the https is not working for you ?? When I click on the link you posted it brings me right to the Apple web site.

Dimaxum

Reply