Do functions of Logos connect with Apple Shortcuts app?

Russ Herald

I would like, for my morning devotion, to open logos in a specific layout. This layout is different than what I use for research or study. Is it possible to open a specific named layout from Apple shortcuts? For my morning reading I open other apps besides Logos, but am looking for an action to open a specific layout within Logos.

John

I did not know the answer, so out of curiosity I asked the question to Grok:

Can logos Bible software open a particular layout when opening from the command line. In Windows or macOS.

The rest of this post is the output from Grok.

Overview

Logos Bible Software (developed by Faithlife) does not provide a direct built-in command-line parameter or URI scheme to open a specific custom layout upon startup from the command line on either Windows or macOS. This limitation has been discussed in user forums since at least Logos 4 (2013), with no official resolution or documentation for such functionality in later versions (up to Logos 10 as of 2025). However, you can achieve similar results using workarounds involving URI schemes to open resources/guides and then manually or script-automatically switch to your desired layout. Below, I'll explain the details for each platform.

Windows

• Direct Command-Line Support: No native CLI flags for layouts. The executable (Logos.exe, typically at C:\Program Files (x86)\Logos Bible Software\Logos.exe) accepts URIs as arguments (e.g., via a shortcut or batch file), but these are limited to opening specific resources, references, or guides—not full layouts.
• URI Schemes for Approximation:
  • Use logosref: or logosres: to open a Bible passage or resource, which can auto-trigger a guide-based layout (e.g., Passage Guide).
    • Example: logosref://John 3:16 opens to John 3:16 in your preferred Bible, potentially in a basic reading layout.
    • For a guide: logos://passage?ref=John 3:16 opens the Passage Guide layout to that verse.
  • To launch: Create a shortcut to Logos.exe and add the URI as the target (e.g., "C:\Program Files (x86)\Logos Bible Software\Logos.exe" logosref://Genesis 1).
• Workarounds:
  • Run, "C:\Program Files (x86)\Logos Bible Software\Logos.exe" logosref://John 3:16WinWait, ahk_exe Logos.exeSleep, 2000 ; Wait for launchSend, ^l ; Ctrl+L to open Layouts menu (adjust if needed)Send, {Down 3}{Enter} ; Navigate to your layout (test coordinates)This requires testing for your specific layout position. Community examples exist for COM automation to switch layouts programmatically.
  • Batch File: Simple .bat to launch with URI: @echo off "C:\Program Files (x86)\Logos Bible Software\Logos.exe" %1 (pass URI as argument).
• Limitations: Custom layouts (saved snapshots) can't be directly invoked; URIs favor stock guides like "Passage Study."

macOS

• Direct Command-Line Support: No native CLI flags for layouts. Launch via Terminal or Spotlight, but arguments are URI-based only, similar to Windows.
• URI Schemes for Approximation:
  • Same as Windows: open logosref://John 3:16 (in Terminal) opens to the passage.
  • For guides: open "logos://passage?ref=Genesis 1" loads the Passage Guide.
  • Logos app bundle is at /Applications/Logos Bible Software.app; full command: open -a "Logos Bible Software" "logosres://Your Resource Name".
• Workarounds:
  • tell application "Logos Bible Software" activate open location "logosref://John 3:16" delay 2 tell application "System Events" keystroke "l" using {command down} -- Cmd+L for Layouts (if shortcut exists) keystroke (ASCII character 20) -- Down arrow; adjust for selection keystroke return end tellend tellRun with: osascript yourscript.scpt. Test for exact shortcuts (Logos uses Cmd+Option+L for some layout actions).
  • Automator or Shortcuts App: Create a workflow to launch Logos with a URI, then add "Watch Me Do" actions to click your layout. Export as a service or app for CLI invocation.
• Limitations: Same as Windows; no direct custom layout support. macOS URIs work cross-app (e.g., from Drafts or Launch Center Pro).

General Recommendations

• Test URIs: In Logos, right-click a resource/passage > "Copy as Link" > "As URL" to generate valid logos:// URIs. Paste into Terminal/Command Prompt to verify.
• Default Startup Layout: Set your preferred layout as the default via Logos menu > Layouts > Save Current Layout > Set as Startup Layout. This applies on every launch but isn't CLI-specific.
• Community Resources: Check the Logos Community forums (e.g., threads on URI protocols) for user scripts. For advanced automation, explore Logos' COM API (Windows) or AppleScript dictionary (macOS).
• Updates: As of October 2025, no changes in official docs; monitor Faithlife's release notes for potential future support.

If you provide more details (e.g., your layout name or a sample URI), I can refine a script example.