Have you ever tried to launch an app or access a shortcut on your macOS system, only to be met with a confusing message like “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4”? If so, you’re not alone—and the good news is, you’ve landed on the right article.
This cryptic-looking error may seem intimidating at first, but understanding it is the first step to fixing it. Let’s break it down in plain language, explain where it comes from, and walk through how to solve it for good.
What Does the Error Mean?
The message “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4” is made up of several parts:
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errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain: This indicates the error comes from Apple’s Cocoa framework, which powers many macOS and iOS apps.
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errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut: This part tells us the system was trying to locate a specific shortcut—like a file, alias, or command—but failed.
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errorcode=4: A numerical value that helps developers identify what type of issue occurred. In this context, code 4 typically points to a “file not found” error.
So in plain English, this error usually means: “Your Mac couldn’t locate a shortcut it expected to find.”
Common Situations That Trigger This Error
Before diving into solutions, it helps to know when and why this error shows up. You’re most likely to see it in these scenarios:
1. Launching a Deleted or Moved App Shortcut
You may have dragged an app icon to your dock or desktop, but later moved or deleted the app itself. When you click the shortcut, macOS can’t find the source, triggering this error.
2. Broken Alias or Symbolic Link
If you rely on aliases or symbolic links (like with Terminal commands), they may break if the original file is renamed, relocated, or removed.
3. Issues With Automator or AppleScript
Shortcuts created with Automator or AppleScript can throw this error if a referenced item is no longer available.
4. Third-Party Apps with Shortcut Integration
Apps that use custom shortcuts (e.g., for launching tasks, scripts, or files) can generate this error if the shortcut was not properly set up or becomes inaccessible.
How to Fix “errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4”
Thankfully, there are several effective ways to resolve this. Below are step-by-step solutions, depending on the root cause.
Fix 1: Recreate or Reassign the Shortcut
If the shortcut you’re trying to access was deleted or moved, you’ll need to recreate it:
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Find the original application or file.
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Right-click it and choose “Make Alias.”
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Place this alias where the previous shortcut was (e.g., desktop or dock).
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Delete the broken shortcut if it’s still present.
Fix 2: Use Spotlight to Find the Original File
Use macOS’s Spotlight feature to search for the file or app:
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Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight.
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Type in the name of the app or file you think the shortcut pointed to.
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If found, open it and consider recreating a working shortcut.
Fix 3: Check Automator or Script References
If you’re running a shortcut created in Automator:
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Open Automator and load your workflow.
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Examine the steps to see if any reference a file or app that no longer exists.
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Replace any missing links with updated paths.
Fix 4: Repair Disk Permissions
Sometimes, permissions issues can interfere with macOS locating shortcuts.
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Open Disk Utility.
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Select your main disk (usually named “Macintosh HD”).
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Click First Aid and run a repair.
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Restart your computer afterward.
Fix 5: Reinstall the App
If an application shortcut is no longer working:
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Delete the app and download a fresh copy from the App Store or the developer’s website.
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This ensures all related paths and shortcuts are reset.
Preventing the Error in the Future
Avoiding the errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4 error is easier than you think. Here are a few tips:
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Keep your shortcuts organized: Don’t delete or move the original files if you’ve created aliases or symbolic links.
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Use the Dock and Launchpad: These are less likely to result in broken shortcuts than manually created aliases.
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Backup your Mac: Use Time Machine to make regular backups so you can restore lost files or shortcuts.
When to Seek Help
If you’ve tried all the above and are still stuck, it may be time to contact Apple Support or consult developer forums. Be sure to note:
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When the error started appearing
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Which file or app triggered it
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Any recent changes to your system
Providing this context can speed up troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts
The message errordomain=nscocoaerrordomain&errormessage=could not find the specified shortcut.&errorcode=4 might look complicated, but at its core, it just means something important is missing. Whether it’s a deleted file, broken alias, or outdated script, the fix usually involves just a few simple steps.
Understanding the source of the issue is the first step. Once you know where to look, you can clean up your shortcuts and get back to work with a more stable, organized macOS experience.
