Make repetitive tasks easier by automating iOS devices
I have loved creating automated sequences on my Mac to execute repetitive multistep tasks with a single keystroke.
In the old days I used QuicKeys (may it rest in peace). Since QuicKeys’ untimely demise, I rely on Keyboard Maestro to automate dozens of repetitive tasks.
Along the same lines, I’ve loved creating automated sequences on my iOS devices with Workflow — one of my all-time favorite third-party apps — for years.
Apple apparently loved Workflow, too, and it acquired the Workflow app and its development team early last year. That could have been good or bad for users, but current events seem to lean toward good.
Since Apple acquired Workflow, it dropped the $4.99 cost and made it free while continuing to update it with new features and capabilities.
With the release of iOS 12, Workflow has been renamed Shortcuts. If you had the Workflow app on your iOS device before the upgrade, you’ll find the Shortcuts app has replaced your Workflow app. Don’t be alarmed — it still contains most (if not all) of the workflows you created.
If you didn’t have Workflow installed, you can download Shortcuts from the iOS App Store for free. If you haven’t done it yet, you should. Once you do, you’ll be able to execute sequences with a single tap or voice command.
Here are just a few of the shortcuts I use every day:
• Share with myself, my wife, son, daughter or whole family (five shortcuts).
When I tap the Share button in any app, I can use any of these shortcuts to share what’s on my screen — a link, a picture or anything else that’s shareable — with the appropriate family member (or the whole family) in an iMessage.
• Remind me to _______ when I get home.
I usually trigger this shortcut by voice. If I say, “Hey, Siri, remind me to call my mom when I get home,” Siri creates a reminder in the Reminders app and notifies me when I arrive at home.
• Directions to home from my current location.
Having this shortcut in my Today View (swipe left-to-right on your first home screen) launches the Maps app and fills in the To and From fields, so all I have to do is select a route (optional) or press the Go button.
• Send the last screen shot I took to another device (usually my Mac) via AirDrop.
• Create an audio recording and save it in Evernote.
These two shortcuts are in my Today View, and they save me time by eliminating dozens of taps.
Finally, all my customized shortcuts are based on shortcuts from the built-in gallery, which includes literally hundreds of useful shortcuts for you to customize and use.
Shortcuts is free, awesome and easy to use. If you aren’t already using it every day, why not?