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Shortcuts App
The Shortcuts app (search in Spotlight) lets you build automations visually. It's the same Shortcuts app from iPhone, but on your Mac.
What You Can Automate
- Resize and convert images
- Send pre-written texts or emails
- Open a set of apps for a specific workflow
- Download and organize files
- Create calendar events from templates
- Combine PDFs
- Run shell scripts
Your First Shortcut
- Open Shortcuts (search in Spotlight)
- Click + to create a new shortcut
- Search for actions in the sidebar (e.g., "Open App")
- Drag actions into the workflow
- Click Run to test
Example: Morning Routine
A shortcut that opens everything you need to start your day:
- Add action: Open App > Safari
- Add action: Open App > Mail
- Add action: Open App > Calendar
- Add action: Open App > Notes
- Add action: Set Focus > Work
- Name it "Morning Routine"
Run it from Spotlight: type "Morning Routine" and press Enter.
Running Shortcuts
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Spotlight | Type the shortcut name |
| Menu bar | Enable in Shortcuts > Settings > show in menu bar |
| Keyboard shortcut | Assign in Shortcuts > right-click shortcut > Add Keyboard Shortcut |
| Dock | Drag from Shortcuts app to the Dock |
| Siri | "Hey Siri, run Morning Routine" |
Recommended Automation Apps
| App | What It Does | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Raycast | Launcher with snippets, clipboard history, and custom scripts | Free |
| Keyboard Maestro | The most powerful Mac automation tool. Triggers, macros, and complex workflows. | $36 |
| Hazel | Automated file organization rules for folders | $42 |
| TextExpander | Snippet expansion for frequently typed text | $3.33/mo |
| BetterTouchTool | Custom gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and automation triggers | $10 |