What is the Shortcuts app on my Mac?

Shortcuts is an Apple application provided with macOS.

The Shortcuts app on Mac is a powerful automation tool that lets you create custom workflows to streamline tasks and improve productivity. It allows you to automate sequences of actions across apps and system features, all with a single click, keyboard shortcut, or voice command via Siri.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are key features of Shortcuts?

Automate Tasks: Create custom shortcuts to automate repetitive tasks, like renaming files, sending emails, or adjusting system settings.
Multi-App Integration: Works with built-in apps like Safari, Mail, Finder, and third-party apps that support Shortcuts.
Cross-Device Compatibility: Syncs with iPhone and iPad, so shortcuts created on one device can be used on others.
Triggering Methods: Run shortcuts from the menu bar, Finder Quick Actions, Dock, Spotlight, Siri, or a keyboard shortcut.
Pre-Built Shortcuts: The app includes a gallery of ready-to-use shortcuts for common tasks.

Where is the Shortcuts App located on my Mac?

The Shortcuts app on your Mac is located in the Applications folder. You can access it in several ways:

Ways to Open the Shortcuts App on Mac

Using Spotlight Search:
- Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar to open Spotlight.
- Type “Shortcuts” and press Return to open the app.
From the Applications Folder:
- Open Finder.
- Go to the Applications folder.
- Scroll down and double-click Shortcuts.
Using Launchpad:
- Open Launchpad (either by clicking its icon in the Dock or using a trackpad gesture).
- Search for Shortcuts and click to open it.
From the Dock (if added):
- If you’ve used the app before, it might already be in your Dock.
- Click the Shortcuts icon to launch it.

Can I remove the Shortcuts App from my Mac?

No, you cannot completely remove the Shortcuts app from your Mac because it is a built-in system app that is part of macOS. However, you can hide or disable it in different ways if you don’t want to use it:

Ways to Hide or Disable the Shortcuts App on Mac

Remove It from the Dock
- Right-click the Shortcuts app icon in the Dock.
- Select Options > Remove from Dock.
Move It Out of Sight
- Go to Finder > Applications.
- Drag the Shortcuts app into a folder (e.g., “Utilities”) or another location to keep it out of view.
Disable Shortcuts Running in the Background
- If you don’t want shortcuts running automatically:
  - Open Shortcuts > Click Settings (⌘ + ,) > Uncheck any automation features you don’t want.
Use Screen Time to Restrict It
- Go to System Settings > Screen Time > App Limits.
- Add Shortcuts and set a daily limit of 1 minute (effectively blocking it).

Since it’s a system app, you won’t be able to delete it entirely, but these steps can help minimize its presence.

What kinds of tasks can I do with Shortcuts?The Shortcuts app on Mac lets you automate a wide range of tasks to boost productivity and simplify daily actions. Here are some examples of what you can do with it:

1. File & Folder Management

Rename multiple files at once
Convert file formats (e.g., images from PNG to JPG)
Move or organize files into specific folders
Create a backup of important documents

2. System & Productivity Boosters

Automatically open a set of apps when you start your Mac
Toggle between light and dark mode
Connect to a specific Wi-Fi network
Change system settings (e.g., adjust volume, turn on Focus Mode)

3. Internet & Browsing

Open multiple websites in different tabs at once
Save articles to Reading List or Pocket
Convert a webpage to PDF and save it to a folder
Look up highlighted text on Google or Wikipedia

4. Email & Messaging

Send a pre-written email with one click
Schedule messages to be sent at a specific time
Generate email templates for quick replies

5. Calendar & Reminders

Create a new calendar event with details filled in automatically
Add tasks to Reminders based on emails or messages
Set a “meeting mode” that enables Do Not Disturb and opens Zoom

6. Media & Screenshots

Resize and watermark images in bulk
Convert videos to GIFs
Take a timed screenshot and save it in a specific folder

7. Music & Audio

Start a playlist when you begin working
Convert audio files to different formats
Set a sleep timer to stop music playback

8. Automation & Smart Home Control

Control HomeKit devices (e.g., turn off lights, adjust thermostat)
Start a bedtime routine that dims lights and plays relaxing sounds
Log daily habits in a notes app

What are good resources for learning how to use Shortcuts?

If you want to learn Shortcuts on Mac, here are some great resources to help you master automation:

1. Apple’s Official Resources

Apple Shortcuts User Guide – Apple’s official documentation with step-by-step instructions.
Apple Support: Shortcuts – Articles and guides on using and troubleshooting Shortcuts.
Shortcuts Gallery (in the app) – Pre-made shortcuts you can explore, edit, and learn from.

2. Video Tutorials

YouTube:
- MacMost – Great tutorials on macOS and Shortcuts.
- Snazzy Labs – Covers automation and productivity tips.
- David Sparks (MacSparky) – Deep dives into Shortcuts and Apple automation.
LinkedIn Learning – Paid courses covering macOS automation, including Shortcuts.
Skillshare & Udemy – Look for Shortcuts-specific courses from experienced Mac users.

3. Websites & Blogs

MacStories: Shortcuts Archive – A massive collection of advanced shortcuts with explanations.
MacMost.com – Guides and videos for beginner and advanced users.
Shortcuts Directory – A community-driven site with ready-to-use shortcuts.

4. Books & PDFs

“Take Control of Shortcuts” by Rosemary Orchard – A deep dive into Shortcuts for all skill levels.
“The MacSparky Shortcuts Field Guide” by David Sparks – A premium guide with videos, examples, and advanced automation techniques.

5. Hands-On Learning & Practice

Open the Shortcuts app and explore pre-built shortcuts.
Modify existing shortcuts before creating your own.
Join Reddit’s r/shortcuts or Apple’s Shortcuts forum to ask questions and get ideas.

Want a Quick Example to Try?

Let’s Build Your First Shortcut: “Quick Email to Yourself”

This shortcut will let you quickly send yourself an email with a subject and body using Mail. You can run it from the Shortcuts app, the menu bar, or even with Siri.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the Shortcuts App

Go to Applications > Shortcuts and open it.
Click the + (New Shortcut) button in the top-right.
Name it “Quick Email to Myself”.

2. Add the “Send Email” Action

In the left panel, click Apps > Mail (or use the search bar).
Find and drag “Send Email” into the workflow area.

3. Customize the Email

In the Recipient field, type your own email address.
In Subject, type “Quick Note” (or leave it blank for manual input).
In Message, click the + button and select Ask Each Time (so you can type a message when running the shortcut).

4. Add an Optional Prompt

Click the + button in the editor, then search for “Ask for Input” and drag it above the “Send Email” action.
Set it to “Text” and label it “Enter your note”.
Drag the small “Provided Input” token into the Message field of the email action.

5. Save & Test It

Click Done (top-right).
Run the shortcut by clicking Play (▶).
Type a message and check your inbox!

Bonus: Run It with a Keyboard Shortcut or Siri

Click the Settings icon (⚙️) in the top-right.
Click Add Keyboard Shortcut and choose a custom key combo (e.g., ⌘ + Option + E).
Enable Use with Siri, so you can say “Hey Siri, Quick Email to Myself”.