Apple Bundle IDs

While the Contact Menu supports launching applications by name, there are benefits to using the Apple Bundle Identifier (Bundle ID) or an application-specific URI. Using the Apple Bundle ID allows launching an application even if the application is renamed - a common issue as people download an application many times.

Bundle IDs

Every macOS application has a Bundle Identifier in its Info.plist.

The Bundle ID can also be determined using this command in Terminal (sudo is not required).

The command:

osascript -e 'id of app "Chess.app"'

Returns its Bundle ID:

com.apple.Chess

Alternatively, the command:

mdls -name kMDItemCFBundleIdentifier -r "/System/Applications/Chess.app"

Returns its Bundle ID:

com.apple.Chess

Tip

With the introduction of macOS 10.15, Apple moved core applications into /System/Applications.

Bundle ID reference

The Contact Menu can trigger any application by its Bundle ID. Please refer to the Contact Menu Tips & Tricks for a comprehensive list.

Permalink: https://watchmanmonitoring.com/bundle-ids

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