macOS Shortcut: Test Your Network Speed.

How to Create a Mac Shortcut to Test Your Network Speed and Add It to Your Menu Bar

Have you ever wondered how fast your internet connection really is? While there are plenty of online tools and apps for testing network speed, wouldn’t it be great to have a quick and easy way to check it right from your Mac? With the power of Apple Shortcuts and the built-in `networkQuality` tool on macOS, you can create your own network speed test shortcut and pin it to your menu bar for instant access.

The `networkQuality` tool was introduced in macOS Monterey (12.0).

This tool measures internet connection quality, providing details like download and upload responsiveness (measured in RPS) and more traditional metrics like download and upload speeds. It's especially useful for diagnosing network performance issues.

In this guide, I'll walk you through creating the shortcut, customising it, and adding it to your menu bar. By the end of this post, you’ll have a handy tool to monitor your internet speed anytime you like.

Why Use Shortcuts on macOS?

Apple’s Shortcuts app is a versatile tool that lets you automate everyday tasks on your Mac. Whether it’s organising your files, sending emails, or performing complex workflows, Shortcuts makes it easy to streamline your digital life.

Adding a network speed test shortcut to your menu bar not only saves time but also provides an effortless way to keep tabs on your internet performance. Plus, it’s a fun little project to enhance your productivity!

Creating a Network Speed Test Shortcut

Let’s get started by building the shortcut itself.

1. Open the Shortcuts App

   Launch the Shortcuts app on your Mac. You’ll find it in your Applications folder or by searching for it in Spotlight.

2. Create a New Shortcut

   Click the `+` button at the top of the window to create a new shortcut. An empty workspace will appear, ready for you to build your automation.

3. Add a Shell Script Action

   - In the right-hand action library, search for `Run Shell Script`.  

   - Drag this action into the shortcut editor.

4. Input the Network Speed Test Command

   - Inside the `Run Shell Script` action, paste the following command:  

     bash

     networkQuality

   - This command uses macOS’s built-in tool to test download and upload responsiveness.

5. Display the Results

   - Add a `Show Result` action from the action library and place it below the `Run Shell Script` action.

   - This ensures the test results are displayed in a neat pop-up window.

6. Name and Save the Shortcut

   - Click the title area at the top of the editor to give your shortcut a name, such as "Network Speed Test".

- Press Command + R to run the Shortcut.

Please note if this is the first time you have created a shortcut on macOS that will Run Shell Script you will probably be prompted to allow certain settings.

1. Allow Running Scripts:

• When enabled, it permits the execution of advanced scripting actions, such as:

• Run AppleScript: Allows integration with AppleScript for macOS automation tasks.

• Run Shell Script: Executes shell scripts for command-line based tasks.

• Run JavaScript for Mac Automation: Enables JavaScript-based macOS automations.

• Run JavaScript on Web Page: Allows interaction with websites using JavaScript.

• Run Script Over SSH: Permits executing scripts remotely via SSH.

This feature is typically used for users requiring advanced automation or remote execution capabilities.

2. Allow Sharing Large Amounts of Data:

• When checked, this setting allows shortcuts or scripts to share or process extensive datasets, which might otherwise be restricted.

3. Allow Deleting Without Confirmation:

• If enabled, this setting would bypass confirmation prompts when deleting items via scripts or automations, potentially speeding up workflows but increasing the risk of accidental deletions.

4. Allow Deleting Large Amounts of Data:

• If enabled, it would permit the automation to delete substantial data volumes without additional user confirmation, which is disabled in this screenshot for safety reasons.

Pinning the Shortcut to Your Menu Bar

Now that you’ve created your shortcut, let’s make it easily accessible.

1. Open Shortcut Details

   - In the Shortcuts app, find your newly created shortcut.

   - Right-click on it or click the small `i` icon in the top-right corner to open the details panel.

2. Enable Menu Bar Access

   - In the details panel, toggle the option for "Pin in Menu Bar".

3. Locate the Shortcut in the Menu Bar

   - Look for the Shortcuts icon in your Mac’s menu bar (it looks like a small circle with paths connecting).

   - Click the icon to reveal your pinned shortcuts. Your "Network Speed Test" shortcut should be listed there.

4. Run the Shortcut

   - Simply click the shortcut’s name to run it. The `networkQuality` tool will perform the test, and the results will pop up on your screen.

Why This Shortcut is a Game-Changer

Having your network speed test just a click away can be incredibly useful, whether you’re troubleshooting a slow connection, preparing for an important video call, or just satisfying your curiosity. The `networkQuality` tool provides quick and reliable results, showing both upload and download responsiveness in an easy-to-read format.

The best part? You’ve created something practical and tailored to your needs without downloading a third-party app.

Customisation Ideas

Want to take this shortcut even further? Here are a few ideas:

- Add Notifications: Use the `Show Notification` action to display the results in a macOS notification instead of a pop-up.

- Log Results: Save the speed test data to a file or Numbers spreadsheet for tracking over time.

- Voice Activation: Pair the shortcut with Siri for hands-free testing.

Final Thoughts

Creating and pinning a network speed test shortcut is just one example of how Apple’s Shortcuts app can simplify your daily routines. With just a few clicks, you now have a powerful tool at your fingertips.

So, the next time your internet feels sluggish, you don’t need to open a browser or hunt for a speed test website. Just click your menu bar shortcut and get the answers you need—instantly and effortlessly.

Give it a try, and let us know how it works for you! If you have any customisation ideas or shortcuts of your own, I’d love to hear them. Happy shortcutting! 🚀