To get started with Shortcuts on your MacBook, open the Shortcuts app, try a Gallery example or create a small workflow of your own, then run it from the app to check that it works. A shortcut is a sequence of actions—individual steps that work with apps, content, or internet services. You can add a convenient launch point after the workflow is ready.
Start with a Gallery shortcut or build your own
Apple’s Shortcuts app offers two useful starting points: explore a curated example in the Gallery, or create a shortcut from scratch. The Gallery is a good choice if you want to see how actions fit together or find a workflow close to your needs. Add an example to your collection and customize it. If none fits, making a small custom shortcut is straightforward.
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| Starting point | Best when | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Gallery | You want to inspect a working example or adapt one that is close to your task. | Add a Gallery shortcut to your collection and customize it. |
| New shortcut | You know the task you want to automate, or no Gallery example fits. | Create a shortcut, add actions in order, and test it in the app. |
Apple describes a shortcut as “a quick way to get one or more tasks done with your apps.” Actions are the steps that make up the workflow. Apple’s examples include getting directions to a Calendar event, moving text between apps, and generating expense reports. [Apple’s Shortcuts User Guide for Mac]
Create and test your first shortcut
- Open Shortcuts. To start from scratch, click the add button. You can also Control-click the Shortcuts app in the Dock and choose New Shortcut.
- Name the shortcut. Choose a name that will make sense when you run it later.
- Choose an action category and add an action. The action is one step in the workflow; add further actions in the order you want them to happen.
- Close the editor and click Run. Check whether the result matches what you intended. If you are still editing, Apple documents Undo and Redo, and you can remove an action that you do not want.
Keep your first workflow small enough to check easily. For example, you could assemble a short sequence for a repeatable task and verify each result as you run it. That is an illustrative approach; the actions available depend on the apps and services you use. Apple’s creation instructions are in Create a custom shortcut on Mac.
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Choose where to run it
Run the shortcut from the Shortcuts app while you are learning. Once it works, you can choose another launch point, such as the Dock, Siri, the menu bar or Control Centre, or a keyboard shortcut. Finder-related options are also available in supported contexts. The precise locations and labels can vary with the macOS version and interface.
Apple’s Mac overview describes what shortcuts can do and where they can run: Intro to Shortcuts on Mac. The Shortcuts guide landing page currently identifies macOS 27; the specific guide for running shortcuts from other apps is labeled macOS 26. Check the guidance for your installed version if a label or option differs.
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Use selected content from another app
To run a shortcut on selected material—such as text or a file—the shortcut needs to accept the kind of input the other app provides. In the shortcut’s Details, enable Show in Share Sheet or Use as Quick Action, as appropriate. The source app must expose compatible content. The first time you use a Share Sheet extension, you may also need to allow it in System Settings.
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Rank #3
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- FLY THROUGH EVERYDAY ASSIGNMENTS — Whether you’re cramming for finals, using Apple Intelligence* to summarize class notes, creating presentations, or even playing the latest Apple Arcade game,* MacBook Neo delivers the performance and AI capabilities you need to get things done.
- UP TO 16 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Neo delivers all day battery life, so you can power through from early morning classes to late night study sessions without worrying about plugging in.
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Use a shortcut on another Apple device
Apple says iCloud Sync can make shortcuts created on a Mac available to run from iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. Availability on another device depends on iCloud Sync and the shortcut’s visibility settings; do not assume that every action or app behaves identically across devices. Apple also notes that not all apps, services, or content are available in every country or region. See the Shortcuts User Guide for Mac for the current guide and availability qualifications.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- MACOS RUNS APPS FAST — All your go-to apps run lightning fast in macOS, including built-in apps like FaceTime and Messages. Plus, built-in virus protection and free software updates help keep your Mac running smoothly and securely.
Rank #4
- AN AMAZING MAC AT A SURPRISING PRICE — With an incredibly portable and durable aluminum design, up to 16 hours of battery life,* and the A18 Pro chip, MacBook Neo is ready to go wherever school takes you.
- FOUR STUNNING COLORS. ONE DURABLE DESIGN — Choose from four beautiful colors — Silver, Blush, Citrus, or Indigo — each with a color-coordinated keyboard. And MacBook Neo is made with a durable recycled aluminum enclosure that helps it reach 60 percent recycled content by weight — the most ever in any Apple product.*
- FLY THROUGH EVERYDAY ASSIGNMENTS — Whether you’re cramming for finals, using Apple Intelligence* to summarize class notes, creating presentations, or even playing the latest Apple Arcade game,* MacBook Neo delivers the performance and AI capabilities you need to get things done.
- UP TO 16 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Neo delivers all day battery life, so you can power through from early morning classes to late night study sessions without worrying about plugging in.
- A VIBRANT 13-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Neo supports 1 billion colors, so photos and videos pop and text is crisp for easy reading.
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