Mac Shortcuts: Automate Workflows Without Writing Code

How to do it

1. Open the Shortcuts app – pre-installed since macOS Monterey (2021). Spotlight: Cmd+Space → type "Shortcuts".
2. Create a new shortcut – click the "+" in the top right.
3. Add actions – search for actions in the right sidebar and drag them in. Examples: "Resize Image", "Create PDF", "Rename Files".
4. Name and save your shortcut – give it a clear name (e.g. "Shrink Images").
5. Run it – double-click in the app, from the menu bar, or assign a keyboard shortcut (right-click → "Shortcut Details" → set keyboard shortcut).

Practical examples

• Batch-resize images: Select multiple images → right-click → Shortcut → all scaled to 1000px.
• Merge PDFs: Select files → Shortcut creates a combined PDF.
• Clean up screenshots: Automatically move from Desktop to a dedicated folder.
• Transform text: Convert clipboard content to uppercase, format as a list, or translate.

Why this helps

Shortcuts is the modern successor to Automator – with one big advantage: your shortcuts sync via iCloud to iPhone and iPad. What you build on Mac works on the go too.

The interface is visual (drag-and-drop), you need zero coding skills. Yet you can build surprisingly powerful automations.

Good to know

• Not all macOS features are available in Shortcuts – some things still need AppleScript or Automator.
• Complex workflows can get messy – keep shortcuts short and focused.
• Pro tip: Right-click files in Finder → "Quick Actions" shows your shortcuts directly in the context menu.