Scripts

The Run Script action lets you execute scripts directly from your menu bar. Write a quick shell command, run a Python script, or automate with AppleScript — all triggered with a click or keyboard shortcut.

Adding a script action

  1. Open ExtraBar and click Manage on a preset

  2. Click the app settings icon (⚙) on any item

  3. Click + Add → Run Script

  4. Configure the script settings

Script source

You can provide a script in two ways:

  • File — Point to a script file on disk. Use the Browse button to select the file, or type the path manually. ExtraBar detects the language from the file extension automatically.

  • Inline — Write the script directly in ExtraBar’s built-in editor. The editor includes syntax highlighting for all supported languages.

You can also load a file’s contents into the inline editor using the Load from File button.

Supported languages

AppleScript and shell scripts are always available. Other languages are detected automatically — if the interpreter is installed on your Mac, it shows up as an option.

  • AppleScript — .applescript, .scpt

  • Shell Script (zsh/bash) — .sh, .zsh, .bash

  • Python — .py

  • Node.js — .js, .mjs, .cjs

  • Ruby — .rb

  • PHP — .php

  • Perl — .pl, .pm

  • Lua — .lua

ExtraBar checks standard paths including /usr/bin, /opt/homebrew/bin, and /usr/local/bin for interpreters.

Arguments

Add command-line arguments to pass to your script. Each argument is a separate entry — use the arguments editor to add, remove, or reorder them.

Shell environment

Control how the shell environment is set up when your script runs. This matters when your script depends on tools installed via Homebrew or custom PATH entries.

  • Default environment — No shell profile loading. The script runs with a minimal environment.

  • zsh (load profile) — Loads .zprofile and .zlogin. Use this when your script needs Homebrew or other PATH additions.

  • zsh (interactive) — Loads .zshrc. Use this when your script needs aliases or functions from your shell config.

  • bash (load profile) — Loads .bash_profile or .profile.

Output window

When Show output window is enabled (on by default), ExtraBar opens a floating panel that shows live script output as it runs. The window displays:

  • Script name and language

  • Streaming stdout and stderr output (errors highlighted)

  • Exit code when the script finishes

  • Auto-closes after 10 seconds on completion (click to keep it open)