SwitchBoard
Route every link to the right browser on Mac automatically
The story
Overview
SwitchBoard is a macOS utility that acts as an intelligent link traffic controller, automatically routing URLs to the correct browser, profile, or native application based on user-defined rules. The app sits in the menu bar and requires no dock icon, running silently at under 10 MB of RAM. It supports two types of routing rules: domain rules (which URLs go where, checked first) and app rules (which app the link came from, checked second), with a fallback option for unmatched links. SwitchBoard auto-discovers all installed browsers including Chrome, Safari, Arc, Firefox, Brave, Edge, and Dia, and can target specific browser profiles rather than just the browser itself. The free tier includes 3 app rules and 1 domain rule, while the Pro version ($14.99 one-time purchase) unlocks unlimited rules, cloud sync across multiple Macs, Privacy Guard features that strip tracking parameters and expand shortened URLs, and time-based routing contexts. The app prioritizes privacy by keeping all URLs local and using only privacy-safe analytics via TelemetryDeck with no personal data collection.
Key features
Source-app routing
Links clicked in specific apps like Slack or Mail automatically open in your chosen browser or profile.
Domain rules
Route by URL pattern so zoom.us always opens in Zoom, figma.com in Figma Desktop, regardless of source app.
Browser profile targeting
Target specific browser profiles like Chrome Work, Arc Personal, or Firefox Dev, not just the browser itself.
Auto-discovery
SwitchBoard automatically finds every browser installed on your Mac including Chrome, Safari, Arc, Firefox, Brave, Edge, and Dia.
Menu bar native
No dock icon required; pause routing with one click from the menu bar and runs silently using under 10 MB of RAM.
Privacy Guard
Pro feature that strips tracking parameters from URLs and expands shortened links, all processed locally before reaching any browser.
Use cases
- 1
Work-life separation
Automatically route work links from Slack to your work browser profile and personal links to your personal browser.
- 2
App-specific routing
Open Zoom links in the Zoom desktop app instead of a browser tab, and Figma links in the Figma desktop application.
- 3
Developer workflow
Route links from Xcode, Terminal, and development tools to your preferred development browser or profile.
- 4
Multi-profile management
Manage multiple browser profiles across Chrome, Arc, Firefox and other browsers with automatic routing rules.
FAQ
Which macOS versions are supported?
SwitchBoard requires macOS 13.0 Ventura or later and runs natively on Apple Silicon (M1 and later). macOS 12 and earlier are not supported.
Does SwitchBoard send any data back to you?
URLs never leave your machine. SwitchBoard uses TelemetryDeck for privacy-safe analytics with no personal data or URLs collected, just aggregate signals like app launches and rule counts. It checks for updates every 48 hours, which can be disabled in Settings.
What's the difference between app rules and domain rules?
App rules route by source (which app you clicked the link in), while domain rules route by URL pattern. Domain rules are checked first and take priority. The free tier includes 3 app rules and 1 domain rule.
How does cloud sync work?
Pro includes cloud sync backed by Relay Labs' own servers. SwitchBoard pushes your rules to a private account and pulls them on your other Macs. If two Macs have conflicting rules, you choose to keep local, use remote, or merge both.
What's the difference between the free and Pro versions?
Free includes 3 app rules and 1 domain rule with basic routing. Pro ($14.99 one-time) unlocks unlimited rules, browser profile targeting, cloud sync across Macs, Privacy Guard (tracker stripping and URL expansion), and time-based routing contexts.
Tech stack & tags
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