To imbue a maple shortbow in OSRS , you first need the specific imbue source for the item you’re upgrading, because “imbue” usually applies to items like the Magic shortbow, not the plain maple shortbow.

What to do

  • If you mean a maple shortbow (u) or a normal maple shortbow , there isn’t a standard imbue step for it in the way people talk about Magic shortbow(i).
  • If you actually meant Magic shortbow(i) , the common way is to earn imbue points from Abyssal Arena / Emir’s Arena, Nightmare Zone, or Soul Wars , then spend them on the item’s imbue.
  • For an ironman , the usual practical route is Nightmare Zone or Soul Wars , since those avoid relying on the Grand Exchange.

Quick clarification

The search results point to Magic shortbow imbues, not maple shortbow imbues, and the OSRS community guides describe the imbue process for the Magic shortbow specifically. If you meant the ranged weapon progression for an ironman, the next step is usually getting a Magic shortbow scroll and then using it on the bow.

TL;DR

  • Maple shortbow: normally not the item people imbue.
  • Magic shortbow(i): earn imbue currency/points, buy the imbue, then use it on the bow.

If you meant a different bow, the exact item name will change the answer.