Shortcuts
Apple Inc.
Shortcuts is a built-in macOS application that allows you to automate repetitive tasks and customize workflows across your apps and devices. It enables you to create personal shortcuts with multiple steps from your favorite apps, system features, and web services, triggered by a single tap or voice command with Siri.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Easy to use visual interface
- Cross-device syncing with iPhone and iPad
- Extensive automation possibilities
Top Dislikes
- Can be complex for advanced automations
- Limited built-in actions compared to dedicated automation tools
- macOS version sometimes less feature-rich than iOS/iPadOS
Popular Comments
Digital Trends - Alex Blake
2024-05-16
Shortcuts is probably the most frustrating app I've used on macOS. Not because it's a bad app — it's actually one of the best Mac apps you can get — but because Apple gives next to no support on how to use such a powerful part of its operating system.
MacStories - Federico Viticci
2021-10-25
Shortcuts was rough on that first developer build of Monterey...As a result, I expected the app to improve by leaps and bounds over the summer. The trouble is, it didn't...I can't help but be frustrated and disappointed by the state of Shortcuts on the Mac.
MacUpdate User - App User
2011-08-11
Shortcuts for Mac. Assign hot keys to contextual menu items. Free.
Reddit User - Human_Promotion_1840
2024-04-29
I use Shortcuts to start a Zoom session, disable unmute feature, open the waiting room, set two other accounts (my other devices) as co-hosts, and spotlight myself. Shortcuts then tells OBS and Reaper to start recording.
YouTube - Jeff Su
2022-10-04
Although the Shortcuts app is already pretty popular on the iPhone, very few people use it on their Macbooks as well. So in this video I've put together the ultimate guide for the Shortcuts app on the Mac!
Reddit User - jsushie
3 years ago
I'm a huge Alfred fan so I was pretty excited when they announced they would have a workflow that integrates Alfred with the Mac Shortcuts app (this Do Not Disturb one is super helpful). Now I'm curious whether there are other useful/productive shortcuts people use on the Mac specifically?
Detailed Review
Shortcuts is Apple's automation app available on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Originally a third-party app called Workflow, Apple acquired and rebranded it as Shortcuts, deeply integrating it into its operating systems. Shortcuts allows users to create workflows by stringing together actions from various apps and system functionalities using a visual, drag-and-drop interface. It's designed to be accessible to both beginners and advanced users, offering a wide range of actions from basic tasks to complex scripts. Shortcuts on Mac syncs with your iPhone and iPad via iCloud, making your created shortcuts available across your Apple ecosystem.
Standout Features
- Visual Workflow Editor: Create automations with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, no coding knowledge required for basic shortcuts.
- Cross-Platform Sync: Shortcuts are synced across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices via iCloud.
- Extensive Actions Library: Access actions from various Apple apps, system features, and third-party apps to build powerful workflows.
- Automation Triggers: Run shortcuts manually, via Siri voice commands, from the Shortcuts app, widgets, or by setting up automation triggers like app opening, time of day, and more (using third-party apps like Shortery for advanced triggers on macOS).
- Shortcuts Gallery: Discover pre-built shortcuts to get started quickly and explore automation possibilities.
- Integration with Existing Mac Automation: Works alongside existing macOS automation tools like AppleScript and Automator.
Conclusion
Shortcuts is a powerful and free automation tool for Mac users, particularly beneficial for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem. Its ease of use and cross-device functionality make it a great entry point into automation. While it may not be as feature-rich as dedicated automation powerhouses like Keyboard Maestro for highly complex workflows, Shortcuts provides a strong balance of accessibility and capability for everyday Mac automation needs. It's continually being updated with new features and integrations, making it an increasingly valuable tool for boosting productivity on macOS. Users who are new to automation or want simple, cross-device workflows will find Shortcuts very useful. Power users might find it somewhat limiting for very advanced tasks but can still leverage it for many common automations and integrations with other apps.
