Seeing Full URLs in Safari

Last week saw the release of Apple’s newest version of OS X, Yosemite. It has a refreshed visual design, several cool new feature–including, at long last, the ability to share documents, photos, and links between iOS devices and OS X devices via AirDrop. And I’m sure we’ll cover many of these in due course.

Today I want to talk about one of the most aggravating features: In Safari, the combined address/search bar no longer displays the full URL of webpages. Instead, it just shows the domain name. In the following screenshot, since I’m clearly editing a blog post, I should see a URL that locates me in the WordPress directories of the Chronicle. Instead, it just tells me the top-level domain:

This is annoying! (At least for me. I’m old, though.)

Here’s how to fix it. Open up the Preferences menu item under “Safari.” Then, click on the “Advanced” tab:

You’ll see that the box labeled “Show full web address” is unticked. Tick that box, and you’re set:

Close the preferences dialog box, and you’re all set. You can once again glory in knowing the full URL of the document you’re viewing.

Do you have a new feature that’s driving you crazy? Why not share it in comments?

Photo “Elliott’s Addressing Machines” by Flickr user Jenny Addison / Creative Commons licensed BY-NC-ND-2.0