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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

  1. Open Shortcuts (search in Spotlight)
  2. Click + to create a new shortcut
  3. Search for actions in the sidebar (e.g., "Open App")
  4. Drag actions into the workflow
  5. Click Run to test

Example: Morning Routine

A shortcut that opens everything you need to start your day:

  1. Add action: Open App > Safari
  2. Add action: Open App > Mail
  3. Add action: Open App > Calendar
  4. Add action: Open App > Notes
  5. Add action: Set Focus > Work
  6. Name it "Morning Routine"

Run it from Spotlight: type "Morning Routine" and press Enter.

Running Shortcuts

MethodHow
SpotlightType the shortcut name
Menu barEnable in Shortcuts > Settings > show in menu bar
Keyboard shortcutAssign in Shortcuts > right-click shortcut > Add Keyboard Shortcut
DockDrag from Shortcuts app to the Dock
Siri"Hey Siri, run Morning Routine"
AppWhat It DoesPrice
RaycastLauncher with snippets, clipboard history, and custom scriptsFree
Keyboard MaestroThe most powerful Mac automation tool. Triggers, macros, and complex workflows.$36
HazelAutomated file organization rules for folders$42
TextExpanderSnippet expansion for frequently typed text$3.33/mo
BetterTouchToolCustom gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and automation triggers$10