Pasting a download link into Google Chrome for OS X

Question

When I want to download something in Safari, like http://foo.com/bar.zip, all I have to do is paste that link into the Downloads window. Is there a way to do this in Chrome?

I've gotten used to Safari, hitting ⌥⌘L (Downloads window), and then pasting. It's quick, neat, and saves me from going to File » Save As….

I like to keep my hands on the keyboard, so if there is a quick way to do this without using a mouse, that's my ideal solution.

Solution 1

Using Automator, it's quite easy to create a Service that downloads selected URLs.

Open Automator, create a Service that receives URLs as input in any application. Add the Download URLs action (don't worry about the Safari icon, the application isn't used at all or even started when executing). Save as "Download URL" or similar. You can now access the service from Application menu » Services » Download URL

Go to System Preferences » Keyboard » Keyboard Shortcuts » Services, locate your new service, and assign a keyboard shortcut.

To use your service, select a URL and press the assigned keyboard shortcut. The file will appear in the folder specified in Automator.

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You can optionally append the Reveal Finder Items Automator action. This would open your downloads folder after the file is saved, and select the downloaded file.

Solution 2

Paste it into the URL bar and press Return. You can reach it using Cmd-L.

While Safari allows you to Option-Return to download any URL this way, Chrome does not support that, so http://example.org/file.zip will download, http://example.org/file.htm won't.

Comments

[Admin]

Just [select and] drag the link to the tabs area. You can go to Options->Under the Hood->Downloads to change the folder and disable the File Save As

[Admin]

Thanks for the quick response. I've edited my question above.

[Admin]

If you're open for other solutions, I'll look into making an Automator/AppleScript solution.

[Admin]

Ooooo, apple script. I like where you're going there Beck.

[Admin]

Note you can paste a link into Firefox's downloads window to start a download. I just wish Chrome had this tiny feature too.

[fakeit]

What about example.org/file.mp3? Those are some of the more common files I'm downloading. My friend wants me to check out his music, so I copy from chat and paste to the browser. I'd love it to just drop into my downloads folder if possible.

[HikeMike]

@fakeit Same problem as with htm. Don't know if there's another way. You probably should edit your question to reflect that it's about files with viewing support in your browser.

[fakeit]

Ah okay. This is why I love safari's download window. Handy little cheat :)

[HikeMike]

@fakeit As I wrote, in Safari, it's not even necessary. Just Option-Return the URL in the navigation bar and it'll download. Chrome seems to be missing both options though.

[fakeit]

Very true. I'm hooking you up with a +1 since, while you didn't solve the original problem, you made me an even geekier Safari user. Well done. --edit-- or at least I will when I hit 15 rep, it would seem :)

[fakeit]

Ha ha! I've hooked you up with a +1 using only my mind!

[fakeit]

Wow, well done sir. That is a great work around!

[fakeit]

Again, I'd vote you up if I could. I'll try using my mind again...

[fakeit]

Well I appreciate your timely solution. Now I can get on to listing to my buddy's new tunes. All this, and I don't have to leave the keyboard! Geekiness accomplished!

[slhck]

This is simply not working or you'll have to explain better. Where is the URL displaying in the first place? If I paste an URL to the address bar, pressing ⌘S won't do anything.