Launch and Focus App

Create a keyboard shortcut to launch a Mac app

Use this Rule for an app you return to throughout the day, such as a browser or editor. The explicit activation Action brings the target app forward after the launch request.

When: Press Option + Space. Do: Launch Application, then Make Application Frontmost, both targeting Google Chrome. There is no If Condition, time restriction, or show/hide toggle.

Configure and try it

1. Import through Open this Rule in Rulr and replace Option + Space if it conflicts with an existing shortcut or another Rule.
2. Choose an installed app in Launch Application and select the same app in Make Application Frontmost.
3. Grant Accessibility for the hotkey and frontmost Action.
4. Enable the Rule and test once with the app closed. Switch to another app and test again with the target already running; check that it comes forward.

Requirements and limits

The sample’s components are available without Pro. The target application must be installed and launchable by the current Mac user.

The Rule targets one application. It does not select a particular document, create a new window, or search among open windows. To hide the same app on a second press, use Toggle App Visibility. To open several apps together with time Conditions, use Open Work Apps.

What happens if the app is already open?

The Rule sends the launch request and then makes the selected application frontmost. Both Actions should target the same app. Pressing the shortcut again brings that app forward; it does not hide it or toggle between two apps.