Shortcuts for iPhone

Quick summary

Shortcuts is an Apple-made automation app for iPhone (also available on iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac) that simplifies routine actions. With it you can build multi-step workflows to do things like fetch directions, generate PDFs, produce animated GIFs, or share the song you’re listening to — all with a single tap or by asking Siri.

Notable abilities

• Run multi-step automations that chain tasks from different apps and system services.
• Create GIFs, convert content to PDF, post what you’re playing to social platforms, and more.
• Trigger shortcuts hands-free using Siri voice commands.
• Access a library of ready-to-use examples to adapt, or assemble your own from scratch.

Building and editing workflows

• Drag-and-drop blocks make composing a shortcut visual and fast, even for complex sequences.
• A curated Gallery supplies starter shortcuts you can customize to your needs.
• Hundreds of action types are available to choose from, letting you connect apps, device features, and web services.

How to launch your shortcuts

• Add a dedicated icon to the Home screen for one-tap access to a favorite shortcut.
• Pin shortcuts as a Home screen widget for glanceable shortcuts and quick execution.
• Find and run shortcuts via system Search or by asking Siri aloud.

Wearables and macOS support

• On Apple Watch, run shortcuts with a tap and place frequently used ones on watch faces as complications.
• Shortcuts sync across your Apple devices, so automations you create on iPhone are available on iPad and Mac.

Why people use it

• Saves time by automating repetitive steps.
• Lets non‑developers create powerful, customized actions.
• Extends device capabilities by linking apps and services together in ways the individual apps may not natively offer.

Suggested alternative

ATPTurbo (Free) — a lightweight, free option worth trying if you want a different interface or complementary features to Shortcuts. It provides a simpler workflow model and some unique integrations that might better fit certain use cases.