Safari Multiple Websites Startup: How to Set It Up

Yes, Safari on Mac can open multiple websites at startup, but it is not a built-in feature. You can achieve this by creating a separate Safari profile or by using a folder of bookmarks, and we’ll show you exactly how to do it.

Why Safari Doesn’t Have a Native Startup Option

Unlike some other browsers, Safari does not include a setting that lets you specify a list of URLs to open on launch. The startup behavior is limited to a single option: either open a new window with your start page, or restore all windows from your last session. This is a deliberate design choice by Apple to keep the interface simple, but it means users who want multiple tabs at launch need a workaround.

Method 1: Using a Bookmark Folder

The most straightforward way to open multiple websites at startup is to use a bookmark folder. Here’s how:

1. Open Safari and create a new folder in your Bookmarks (File > New Folder). Name it something like “Startup Tabs”.
2. Add all the websites you want to open to this folder. You can drag the URL from the address bar into the folder, or right-click and select “Add Bookmark”.
3. Right-click the folder in the sidebar and choose “Open in New Tabs”. Safari will open all the bookmarks in the folder as tabs.
4. Now, to make this happen automatically at startup, you need to set Safari to open with your last session. Go to Safari > Settings > General and set “Safari opens with” to “All windows from last session”.
5. Close Safari, then reopen it. It should restore the previous session, which includes the tabs you opened from the folder.

This method works because Safari remembers your open tabs as part of your session. The key is to have the tabs open before you quit Safari.

Method 2: Using Safari Profiles

In macOS Sonoma and later, Safari supports profiles, which are separate browsing environments. You can set up a profile specifically for startup tabs:

1. Go to Safari > Settings > Profiles.
2. Click the “+” button to create a new profile. Name it “Startup” or something similar.
3. In the profile settings, under “When starting Safari”, choose “Open with a new window” and then select the bookmark folder you created.
4. Assign this profile to a specific window or use it as your default profile.

Profiles are a more robust solution because they can have their own bookmarks, history, and extensions. You can even set different profiles for work and personal use, each with its own startup tabs.

Method 3: AppleScript (Advanced)

If you’re comfortable with a little scripting, you can create an AppleScript that opens Safari with a specific set of URLs. This gives you the most control over the startup behavior.

1. Open the Script Editor app (found in /Applications/Utilities).
2. Paste the following script:

   tell application "Safari"
       activate
       make new document with properties {URL:"https://example.com"}
       tell window 1
           make new tab with properties {URL:"https://example.org"}
           make new tab with properties {URL:"https://example.net"}
       end tell
   end tell
   

3. Save it as an application (File > Export, then choose “Application” as the format).
4. Add this app to your Login Items (System Settings > General > Login Items).

Now, whenever you log in to your Mac, this app will launch Safari with the specified tabs. You can also run the script manually when you want to open your startup set.

How to Choose the Right Method

Your choice depends on how often you need multiple startup tabs and your technical comfort:

• Bookmark folder: Best for occasional use. It’s simple, but you have to remember to open the folder before quitting Safari.
• Profiles: Ideal if you want a dedicated browsing environment for different purposes (e.g., work vs. personal). It’s more reliable than the bookmark folder method.
• AppleScript: Gives you complete control, including the ability to open specific tabs in a specific order. It’s overkill for most users but great for power users.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

If the bookmark folder method isn’t working, here are a few things to check:

• Quit Safari properly: Make sure you quit Safari (Cmd+Q) rather than just closing the window. If you force quit, Safari may not save your session.
• Check your settings: Ensure “All windows from last session” is selected in Safari > Settings > General. If it’s set to “New window”, Safari won’t restore your tabs.
• Private browsing: If you’re using a private browsing window, Safari won’t remember those tabs. Use a regular window for your startup tabs.
• Profile conflicts: If you have multiple profiles, make sure the correct profile is active when you quit Safari. Only the active profile’s tabs are restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set Safari to open multiple websites on iPhone or iPad?
No, Safari on iOS and iPadOS does not have a similar feature. You can only set the start page to show your favorites, but it won’t open multiple tabs automatically.

Is there a way to open a folder of bookmarks in new tabs without using the sidebar?
Yes, you can right-click the folder in the sidebar and choose “Open in New Tabs”. Alternatively, you can drag the folder to the tab bar to open all bookmarks in new tabs.

Will this work with Safari’s “Start Page” feature?
No, the Start Page is a single page that displays your favorites, reading list, and other items. It doesn’t support opening multiple tabs at once.

Can I use a third-party app to do this?
Yes, there are third-party utilities that can manage Safari’s startup behavior, but they may require extra permissions and are not necessary if you use the built-in methods.

Does this work on macOS Monterey or earlier?
The bookmark folder method works on all recent versions of macOS. Safari Profiles were introduced in macOS Sonoma, so they won’t be available on older systems.

Alternatives to Multiple Startup Tabs

If you find that opening multiple tabs at startup is slowing down your Mac, consider these alternatives:

• Use a tab manager extension: Extensions like Tab Groups can help you organize tabs and open them on demand, rather than all at once.
• Use the Reading List: Save pages to your Reading List and access them later with a single click. This is lighter than opening multiple tabs.
• Set a custom start page: Use a service like iGoogle (now defunct) or a personal dashboard that aggregates your favorite sites in one page.

These options can reduce clutter and improve performance, especially if you don’t need all the tabs open immediately.

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