Create simple email shortcuts
Use Automator and Preview to create email shortcuts for your friends
Automator is one of those apps that, for most Mac users, lurks in Applications and never gets used. It has a cool robot icon, but as soon as you launch the app, it immediately asks you which type of document you want to start with (from a selection of eight). Whatever you click, you’re then faced with a column featuring dozens of actions, from a variety of categories. It’s not got that intuitive, welcoming feel of the rather more popular Apple apps, and so it’s no wonder people tend to avoid it.
The thing is, Automator is as cool as its icon. Once you get the hang of it, you can use the app for creating workflows and miniature apps, which can save you time when performing repetitive tasks. In this walkthrough we’ll show you how to use it to quickly create an app that sets up a new email to a friend, which can be stashed in your Dock, ready for clicking at a moment’s notice. We’ll also show you how to use Apple’s Preview to create an icon from a photo that will fit right in with your other icons.
Once you’re done, try experimenting
Once you get the hang of it, you can use the app for creating workflows and mini apps