Automator
Apple Inc.
Automator is a built-in macOS application that allows users to automate repetitive tasks through a drag-and-drop interface, without requiring programming knowledge. It can automate workflows across various applications and system features, enhancing productivity by streamlining common actions.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Easy to use drag-and-drop interface
- Pre-installed and free on macOS
- Versatile automation for various tasks
Top Dislikes
- Can be complex for advanced automation
- Less powerful than dedicated scripting
- Steep learning curve for complex workflows
Popular Comments
Reddit User - jvthomas90
2024-09-21
Automation was always possible on Apple via Automator, Shortcuts is just the new kid on the block... if Shortcuts can't get it done, try Automator. If Automator can't get it done, try AppleScript. If AppleScript can't get it done, try a Shell script.
Reddit User - DustiiWolf
2017-04-04
I use it for two things actually: quickly purging memory, and locking my MacBook with a key combo... It's useful for creating services in particular that run certain commands without having to open terminal and typing it out manually, and it's a great way to add additional shortcuts to a Mac.
Medium - Matt Oxley
2018-04-12
Enter Automator. It ships with OSX, and I can't believe it has taken me 5 years as a Mac user to discover it. Among other things, you can you create workflows like the above and bundle them into a single application that you can launch at will.
MacUpdate User - Switched from LaunchBar to Alfred
2023-04-18
Automator is faster, more flexible and with the Powerpack it's just awesome.
Reddit User - nshankar_
2024-09-21
Shortcuts is more for the device level actions and not the ones Automator is trying to address - like pdf to jpg conversion.
Reddit User - aldonius
2017-04-04
Automator is still useful for encapsulating text and file scripts though, as Services.
Detailed Review
Automator is a free macOS application developed by Apple, designed to automate repetitive tasks. It provides a user-friendly, graphical interface where users can create "workflows" by dragging and dropping "actions" into a sequence. This eliminates the need for coding knowledge, making automation accessible to a wider range of users. Automator can interact with numerous applications and macOS features, including Finder, Safari, Calendar, and many third-party apps like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. Workflows can be saved as applications, quick actions, folder actions, and more, offering versatile ways to trigger automations. While Apple is now focusing on the newer "Shortcuts" app, Automator remains a powerful and versatile tool for Mac users.
Standout Features
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: Create workflows visually by selecting and arranging actions, simplifying the automation process.
- Wide Range of Actions: Comes with a library of hundreds of built-in actions for file manipulation, text processing, system control, and application interaction.
- Scripting Support: Allows integration of custom scripts in AppleScript, JavaScript, and Shell Script for advanced automation.
- Workflow Variety: Workflows can be saved as Applications, Quick Actions, Folder Actions, Print Plugins, Calendar Alarms, and more, offering flexible usage.
- Integration with macOS: Deeply integrated with macOS, enabling automation across various system features and applications.
- Free and Pre-installed: Included with macOS, making it readily available to all Mac users without additional cost.
Conclusion
Automator is a valuable asset for Mac users seeking to streamline their workflows and boost productivity. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes automation accessible to users of all technical levels. While it may not be as powerful or feature-rich as some dedicated automation tools or scripting languages for very complex tasks, it offers a robust and free solution for a wide range of everyday automation needs on macOS. It is particularly useful for batch processing files, automating system tasks, and creating custom shortcuts, and it remains a relevant tool even with the rise of the newer Shortcuts app. Users looking for an entry point into automation or needing to automate common Mac tasks will find Automator to be a powerful and convenient tool.
