Mastering the iOS Shortcuts App: Everything You Need to Know
It’s a fast-moving era, and we’re always looking to get things done in the shortest time possible. The Shortcuts app is a perfect addition to your iPhone to perform tasks quickly. Whether you need help to stay on top of your health or do chores around the house, the app has it all.
We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to get you started with using the app. So, read on to learn how to download, use, edit, and share shortcuts.
How to Download and Set Up Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app usually comes pre-installed on your iOS device, but you may have accidentally uninstalled it to free up space at some point. So, if you want to download it, all you have to do is go to the App Store and search for it like you would with any other app.
Once it’s on your iPhone, you can begin with downloading shortcuts, creating folders, and customizing as you go along.
Download:Shortcuts(Free)
Install Shortcuts From the Gallery
When you open the Shortcuts app, you will see three different tabs at the bottom:Shortcuts,Automation, andGallery. If you want to browse and use the shortcuts available in the app, go toGallery.
You will now see multiple sections that categorize the shortcuts, such asPhotographyorWork From Anywhere. You can swipe through these rows or tapSee Allnext to the heading to look through the shortcuts.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Just type a keyword or phrase in theSearchbar at the top, and all the shortcuts matching it will appear. You can install some reallyhandy iPhone shortcuts to help with everyday tasks.
To add a shortcut to your collection, tap on it and selectAdd ShortcutorSet Up Shortcut, depending on what appears. You will now see your added shortcut in theShortcutstab.
Create Your Own Custom Shortcut
If you want a specific shortcut that isn’t present in the Gallery section, you can create your own from scratch. Sure, it’s not exactly easy, but you can follow our dedicated guide onmaking a shortcut on your iPhoneto quickly get the hang of it.
To create a custom shortcut, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Your new shortcut will appear on theMy ShortcutsandAll Shortcutspages. You can tap on the icon with three horizontal dots to change and edit your custom shortcut anytime you like.
Another way you can create a new shortcut is by long-pressing the Shortcuts app icon on your Home Screen and selectingCreate Shortcutfrom the pop-up menu.
Create Folders for Your Shortcuts
When you begin adding and using multiple shortcuts, it’s pretty easy for your Shortcuts tab to get disorganized and cluttered quickly. Fortunately, you may create folders to clean up the mess and find your shortcuts faster.
Folders are a feature in almost every app; you canuse folders to organize notes on your iPhoneor pictures in the Photos app. To create a folder in the Shortcuts app, follow these steps:
To move a shortcut to a folder, simply long-press on it and selectMovefrom the context menu. You can change how you view shortcuts in a folder by tapping on the icon with four rectangles at the top and choosing betweenGridandList.
Use Shortcuts to Automate Common Tasks
We’ve discussed theShortcutsandGallerytab already, but we still have theAutomationtab left. When you open it, you will see the option toCreate Personal AutomationorSet Up Home Hubaccording to your need.
An automation, if you didn’t know, is a type of shortcut that is activated automatically at a particular time or event, unlike a normal shortcut that needs to be launched manually through the app.
Personal Automation allows you to use shortcuts to perform tasks based on different events like time of the day, Low Power Mode, when leaving for work, or more. Tap onCreate Personal Automationand use the prompts to make one that suits your needs.
You can do the same with Home Automation, but you should set up the Homeapp first. Feel free to read ourbeginner’s guide to Shortcuts automation on iPhoneif you need help along the way.
Edit and Delete Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app allows you to edit a shortcut you’ve already created. Long-press on a shortcut and chooseEditfrom the context menu to bring up the editor, where you can edit the actions listed in your shortcut to alter the workflow as you like.
If you tap the name at the top, you’ll see options likeRename,Choose Icon,Duplicate a shortcut, andMove. However, make sure you know what you’re doing while altering the actions since this will change how the shortcut works.
Likewise, if you want to get rid of a shortcut, you can simply long-press on it and choose theDeleteoption from the same context menu. And when you get the confirmation prompt, tap onDelete Shortcutto delete it from all your iCloud devices.
Share Shortcuts With Friends
You can share your iOS shortcuts as an iCloud link or a file. Here’s what you need to do:
The recipient can simply tap on the file or the iCloud link to install the shortcut on their device.
Make the Most of the iOS Shortcuts App
The Shortcuts app on the iPhone makes certain functions much more effortless, saves you lots of time, and is a handy tool for automating tasks. You can install preexisting shortcuts within seconds or create your own if you have the time and patience.
The app has a simple layout and is very easy to navigate. But if you end up installing too many shortcuts to perform various tasks on your iPhone, you can also create folders to keep all of them organized.
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