Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bumpr compatible with macOS Ventura?

Yes, as of version 1.4.0, Bumpr is now fully compatible with Ventura (as well as Apple Silicon). Please update to the latest version in the Mac App Store.

How does Bumpr work?

Bumpr is a small app that identifies itself to your Mac as your default browser and mail app. When Bumpr is running, and you click on a link, it displays menus of the other available browsers or mail apps on your Mac and you can choose which one to “handle” that link.

Does Bumpr make any permanent changes to my system?

Not at all. You can easily restore your previous default web browser and mail app at any time.

Does Bumpr work on links I click in my browser?

Yes and no. Bumpr does not change the normal behavior of clicking on links in your browser. That’s because if clicking on any link in a browser invoked the Bumpr menu, it would quickly prove maddening.

However, with Bumpr’s extensions for Safari and Chrome, you can right-click on any link or page) in those browsers and open them in any other browser. You can install the Safari extension here and the Chrome extension here.

Note: when using the Chrome extension for the first time, click “Always open these types of links in the associated app” to avoid confirming each time you use the plugin.

Can I use Bumpr for browsers but not mail apps (or vice versa)?

Yes, absolutely. If there is only one app in either Bumpr's Web or Mail preferences, those kinds of links will behave normally, i.e., when you click on them you won’t see Bumpr. So if you want to use Bumpr only for switching between web browsers and not mail apps, open up Bumpr’s preferences from the icon in your menu bar, switch to the Mail section and remove all mail apps EXCEPT your preferred mail app.

Can I set a default browser for specific domains?

Yes! You can now do this in Bumpr’s preferences pane. Just click on the Browsers tab on the left-hand side, then click on “Custom Browser Rules…” and set up which domains you’d like to open in which browsers.

Does Bumpr support multiple Chrome or Firefox profiles?

Not at this time, but if you’re interested in this (or any other feature) please let us know.

How many browsers or mail apps can Bumpr handle?

Bumpr can display as many as 10 of each at one time.

What information does Bumpr record about me?

Bumpr keeps a record of how often it opens each application, in order to show commonly-used applications first. That information is only kept on the user’s computer, and is not sent to Bumpr’s developers or any other party.

Bumpr does not track any information about the links and emails it opens.

Who made Bumpr?

Khoi Vinh is a designer, writer and incurable user of multiple browsers and email apps on his Mac. Learn more about him at his blog at Subtraction.com and at his Twitter account.

Scott Ostler is a software developer, entrepreneur and member of too many Google Apps workgroups. Learn more about him at his Twitter account.

You can follow Bumpr on its very own Twitter account.

Wait! I have more questions!

We’d be happy to answer them! Please email us at help@getbumpr.com.