Smart Link Handling is a feature that works in the background. It detects when you click a link related to an app you’ve added to Shift or one that’s available in the Shift app library. This makes it easier to navigate and improves how Shift works for you! ⚡

How to turn Smart Link-handling ON or OFF

This setting is ON by default. You can manage it anytime by going to:
Settings (gear icon) → Advanced Settings → You and Shift.

**The image above shows the "You and Shift" page in the "Advanced Settings" of Shift with "You and Shift" and "Open links in Apps" outlined in red.

Here’s how it works:

• Links open in the app inside the Workspace where you clicked the link.
• If the app is in another Workspace, Shift will take you there.
• If you have the app added in multiple Workspaces, Shift will open the link in one of those Workspaces.

**This GIF illustrates how smart link handling works with Asana. When you open a link in Gmail for Asana, it will launch in the Asana app within your workspace.

How to use install app suggestions

This setting is also ON by default and can be managed in the same way.

**This image shows the "You and Shift" page with "Suggest Apps to Install" enabled by default.

When it’s ON, Shift suggests apps for links you don’t already have installed. For example:

• If you click an Asana link but don’t have the Asana app installed, Shift will suggest installing it.

**This GIF demonstrates the Asana sidebar install app displaying when clicking on a link for Asana if you haven’t added it as an app.

How to use Smart Link Handling with multiple instances of an app

If you have multiple accounts for the same app in one Workspace:

1. When you click a link, a pop-up will appear.
2. Choose the account you want to open the link with.
3. To always use the same account, select “Remember this decision.”

This GIF displays the pop-up for selecting which app to use when opening a link with multiple instances of the app in Shift.

You can also:

• Right-click the link to choose the account you want to use.

How to have app links open in Shift or in your default browser 

You can decide where links open:

• Open links in a new tab:

  • Select “Open Link in New Tab” when prompted.
  • Check “Don’t show this again for this app” to always open links in a new tab.
  • If you change your mind, right-click the app and choose “Open Links in App.”

**The GIF above shows opening an app in a new tab instead of installing the app from the pop-up.

**This image shows the "Open Links in App" Options when you right-click on an app.

• Open links in your default browser:

  1. Make sure Shift is NOT set as your default browser.
     • Check this in Settings → Default Browser.
     • Change the default browser in your system settings.

       • How to change Default Browser (Mac)

       • How to change Default Browser (Windows)

  2. Turn OFF both:
     • “Open Links in Shift.”
     • “Open Links in Apps.”

**This GIF shows the steps to go into Advanced Settings and unselecting "Open links in Apps" and "Open links in Shift" options.

All links should now open in your default browser. 

Want links in apps to open in Shift, but other links in your browser?

• Turn ON “Open Links in Apps.”
• Turn OFF “Open Links in Shift.”

Links will open up in their respective places.

**The image above shows the option "Open links in Apps" enabled and "Open links in Shift" disabled.

Want to have a quick demo video of the Smart Link Handling in Shift? Check out this video on Smart Link Handling on YouTube.

**The video above is the YouTube video for Smart Link Handling.

What's next?

Have a question? Get in touch with our support team