How do I create a shortcut that truncates/shortens a URL copied to the clipboard?

The following is tested on Ventura 13.4 only:

When you split a URL on ?, it creates an interim list and you need to tell the Shortcut that you want just the first item (trimmed URL) from that list.

That Shortcut takes this URL:

https://www.foobar.com/webstuff?lang=en

and puts the following back on the clipboard:

https://www.foobar.com/webstuff



From your description, it seems like you're looking to create an Apple Shortcut that truncates or shortens a URL copied to the clipboard. While it's a great idea to streamline this process, I'll guide you through the steps to achieve your desired outcome.

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iOS device or Mac.

2. Tap the "+" button to create a new shortcut.

3. Search for and add the action called "Get Clipboard" to retrieve the URL from the clipboard.

4. Add the "Find Text" action. In the "Find" field, input a question mark ("?"). Leave the "Replace With" field empty.

5. Next, add the "Set Clipboard" action. Connect the output of the "Find Text" action to the input of the "Set Clipboard" action.

6. Optionally, you can add the "Copy to Clipboard" action after the "Set Clipboard" action if you want the shortened URL to be automatically copied to the clipboard.

7. Tap the play button at the bottom to test your shortcut. It should now truncate the URL from the clipboard and either save it or copy it to the clipboard, depending on the previous step.

You should now be able to run this shortcut whenever you need to quickly remove everything after the question mark in a URL.

For more information and assistance, you can refer to the following resources:

- Apple Support: Shortcuts User Guide

- Apple Support: Shortcuts for Mac User Guide

- MacStories: A Comprehensive Guide to All 120+ Settings URLs Supported by iOS and iPadOS 14.3 << A bit dated, but this article provides additional information on working with URLs in shortcuts.

Glad to help.

You didn't provide which exact version of macOS, so I took a guess. Looks like VikingOSX got back to you before I could ask you. I'm glad he jumped in to help. Thanks @VikingOSX.