Apple’s Shortcuts app is a tool that enables you to string together a sequence of commands so you can execute them all with just one tap. With all the focus on AI and machine learning, sometimes all you really need to become more efficient and save a few minutes is some straightforward automation. That’s where Shortcuts comes in.
The Shortcuts app has been a part of iOS since 2018. Apple acquired an app called Workflow in 2017 which it eventually renamed and bundled into iOS with the release of iOS 13.
Shortcut 1 – Quick shutdown
Since Apple changed the function of the power button so it’s used to invoke Siri, powering your iPhone off involves a trip into the Settings app and then diving through a few taps to find the Shut Down option. But you can create a Shortcut to shut down your iPhone with just one tap.
- Launch the Shortcuts app
- Tap the ‘+’ button in the top right corner
- In the search box that appears, start typing “shut down”. The Shut Down option will appear
- Tap on “Shut Down”
- At the bottom of the screen, tap in the Information icon (it’s the letter ‘i’ in a circle)
- Tap on “Add to Home screen” so you have one-tap access from your Home Screen. Choose an icon. You can use a photo or one of the default icons and colours
- Tap and hold on your new shortcut to rename it
Shortcut 2 – Take me home
Sure, you can go to maps and either type your address in or set home as a favourite location. But one-tap access to launch maps and give you directions home will save a few taps.
- Launch the Shortcuts app
- Tap the ‘+’ button in the top right corner
- Either scroll through the list of available apps or search for Maps and tap on it
- From the list of actions, tap on ‘Open Directions’
- Tap on ‘Destination’ and enter your address
- Tap on Done
- At the bottom of the screen, tap in the Information icon (it’s the letter ‘i’ in a circle) and add it to your Home Screen for easy access. Choose an icon. You can use a photo or one of the default icons and colours
- Tap and hold on your new shortcut to rename it
Shortcut 3 – Quick call
Siri is handy for calling someone quickly but you can’t always call on Apple’s assistant. You can create simple one-tap solution with Shortcuts.
- Launch the Shortcuts app
- Tap the ‘+’ button in the top right corner
- In the search box that appears, start typing “phone”. The Phone option will appear. Or scroll through the list of available apps.
- Choose who you want to call from the list of names
- Tap on Done
- At the bottom of the screen, tap in the Information icon (it’s the letter ‘i’ in a circle) and add it to your Home Screen for easy access. Choose an icon. You can use a photo or one of the default icons and colours
- Tap and hold on your new shortcut to rename it
If you want to create a similar shortcut to send a text message, choose the Messages app in step 3.
Shortcut 4 – Video to GIF converter
Converting videos to animated GIFs doesn’t require a special app – the capability is built right into iOS. Thi \s is a more complex shortcut that will give a test of wheat else you can do.
- Launch the Shortcuts app
- Tap the ‘+’ button in the top right corner
- In the search box that appears, start typing “Photos”. The Photos option will appear. Or scroll through the list of available apps.
- Change the number of latest videos to a number that works best for you
- Tap on ‘Scripting’ and scroll down to the Lists section. Tap on ‘Choose from List’
- Top on the small down arrow adjacent to ‘Latest videos’ and type ‘Which video?’ For the ‘Prompt’ (ensure ‘Select Multiple’ is not enabled)
- Tap the ‘Done’ button just above the keyboard (not the one at the top-right of the screen)
- In the Search Actions box that appears, typing ‘Trim’ and tap on ‘Trim Media’
- In the Search Actions box that appears, typing ‘Make’ and tap on ‘Make GIF’. Tap the arrow adjacent to ‘Trimmed Media’ to choose how long each frame in the GIF appears, whether it should loop forever and to autosize the GIF
- In the Search Actions box that appears, typing ‘Quick’ and tap on ‘Quick Look’
- At the bottom of the screen, tap in the Information icon (it’s the letter ‘i’ in a circle) and add it to your Home Screen for easy access. Choose an icon. You can use a photo or one of the default icons and colours
- Tap and hold on your new shortcut to rename it
When you use this shortcut, you’ll see your GIF play. You can then share it using the Share button that appears at the bottom left of the screen.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.