macOS: Share a Link That Jumps to a Specific Line on a Webpage

Apple’s Safari 18 Just Changed the Way We Share Links Forever

If you’ve ever shared a webpage link and wanted someone to pay attention to a specific sentence or paragraph, you know the struggle. Do you say, “Hey, read the whole thing and find the part about X,” or do you copy-paste the passage into a message? Neither option is ideal. But now, Apple has baked a game-changing feature into Safari 18 that solves this problem in a way that feels almost magical.

The Power of Text Fragment Linking

Back in 2020, Google introduced a feature called Scroll to Text Fragment (STTF) for Chrome, allowing URLs to link directly to any visible text on a page. It was a small but brilliant addition that made sharing specific content effortless. Google later added this to the Chromium codebase, so browsers like Edge, Opera, Brave, and Vivaldi also support it.

Now, Apple has fully embraced this functionality in Safari 18, bringing it to macOS Sequoia and later versions. The feature is simple yet revolutionary: highlight any text on a webpage, right-click, and select Copy Link with Highlight.

How It Works

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Visit a webpage in Safari on your Mac.
2. Highlight the text you want to share. This could be a sentence, a paragraph, or even a single word.
3. Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the highlighted text.
4. Select “Copy Link with Highlight” from the dropdown menu.

This action generates a special URL that includes a hash (#) symbol and a “text” element, followed by a few words that bookend the selected text. When you share this link with someone, they’ll be taken directly to that part of the webpage, with the specific passage highlighted.

Why This Matters

This feature is more than just a convenience—it’s a paradigm shift in how we share information online. Here’s why it’s so impactful:

• Precision: No more vague instructions like “scroll down to the third paragraph.” The link takes the recipient exactly where you want them to go.
• Efficiency: Save time by eliminating the need to copy-paste text or explain where to find it.
• Clarity: Highlighted text ensures the recipient focuses on the exact content you’re referencing.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

While Safari on Mac offers the most reliable experience, the feature is also available on iPhone and iPad. However, users have reported that it’s buggy and inconsistent in iOS 18.3. Hopefully, Apple will iron out these kinks soon.

Additionally, Firefox introduced support for Copy Link to Highlight in July 2025, making this feature even more accessible across browsers.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Styling Variations: The appearance of highlighted text can differ depending on how the page author has styled it.
• PDFs: Text fragment linking doesn’t work in PDF documents.
• Browser Support: While Chrome and Safari support it, not all browsers have adopted the feature yet.

The Bigger Picture

This feature is part of a broader trend toward making the web more interactive and user-friendly. By allowing users to share specific content with precision, Apple is empowering us to communicate more effectively online. Whether you’re a student sharing a research paper, a professional referencing a report, or just someone trying to make a point in a discussion, this tool is a game-changer.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s Copy Link with Highlight feature in Safari 18 is a small but mighty addition that has the potential to transform how we share and consume information online. It’s intuitive, efficient, and incredibly useful. If you’re a Mac user, this is one feature you’ll want to start using immediately.

And for those who haven’t upgraded to Safari 18 yet, what are you waiting for? This is the kind of feature that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.

Tags: #Safari #Apple #macOS #TechInnovation #WebBrowsing #ProductivityHacks #DigitalCommunication #BrowserFeatures #TechTips #Safari18 #ScrollToTextFragment #LinkSharing #TechNews #AppleEcosystem #BrowserUpdates #DigitalTools #OnlineCommunication #TechTrends #WebTech #SafariTips

Viral Phrases:

• “Apple just changed the way we share links forever.”
• “This Safari feature is a game-changer for online communication.”
• “Say goodbye to vague instructions like ‘scroll down to the third paragraph.’”
• “Precision, efficiency, and clarity—all in one click.”
• “The future of web browsing is here, and it’s in Safari 18.”
• “Why didn’t we have this feature sooner?”
• “Apple’s latest update is a small but mighty addition to the web.”
• “This is the kind of feature that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.”
• “Safari 18: Making the web more interactive and user-friendly.”
• “The ultimate tool for students, professionals, and anyone who loves to share.”

,