apple-shortcuts
Run user-defined macOS Shortcuts for custom automation workflows. Use when user wants to trigger a Shortcut by name or execute a custom automation.
When & Why to Use This Skill
The Apple Shortcuts skill empowers Claude to execute user-defined macOS automation workflows directly through the command line. By bridging the gap between natural language and local system actions, it allows for seamless execution of complex tasks, system configurations, and app integrations, significantly enhancing productivity for macOS users through automated workflow orchestration.
Use Cases
- Workflow Initiation: Triggering multi-app 'Deep Work' or 'Meeting' modes that adjust system settings, open specific documents, and launch necessary applications simultaneously.
- System Control & Management: Managing macOS settings such as Dark Mode, Do Not Disturb, or volume levels through simple conversational commands.
- Media & File Processing: Automating batch image resizing, video format conversion, or document PDF generation using pre-configured local Shortcuts.
- Cross-App Integration: Executing complex sequences across third-party macOS apps that support Shortcuts but lack public APIs, such as specialized CRM or creative tools.
- Smart Home & IoT: Triggering HomeKit scenes or smart device automations directly from the AI chat interface via macOS Shortcut triggers.
| name | apple-shortcuts |
|---|---|
| description | Run user-defined macOS Shortcuts for custom automation workflows. Use when user wants to trigger a Shortcut by name or execute a custom automation. |
Apple Shortcuts
Run user-defined macOS Shortcuts via the shortcuts CLI.
Quick Start
| You want to... | Run... |
|---|---|
| List shortcuts | shortcuts list |
| Run a shortcut | shortcuts run "Name" |
| View details | shortcuts view "Name" |
| Run with file input | shortcuts run "Name" --input-path /path |
Security
ALWAYS require user confirmation before running any shortcut.
Shortcuts can do anything - file operations, network requests, app automation.
Workflow:
shortcuts listto find exact nameshortcuts view "Name"to show what it does- Use
AskUserQuestionto confirm - If confirmed:
shortcuts run "Name"
Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not found | shortcuts list - names are case-sensitive |
| Signing error | shortcuts sign --mode people-who-know-me "Name" |
| Permission denied | System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation |
Limitations
- Cannot create/edit shortcuts - only run existing ones
- Binary format - cannot view internal structure
- Permissions - user must grant in System Settings
Troubleshooting & Ideas
See reference/troubleshooting.md for detailed troubleshooting and shortcut ideas.
Related Skills
apple-productivity- Calendar, Contacts, Mail, Messagesapple-photos- Photo library access