What’s a shortcut?

A shortcut is a quick way to get one or more tasks done with your apps. The Shortcuts app lets you create your own shortcuts with multiple steps. For example, build a “Surf Time” shortcut that grabs the surf report, gives an ETA to the beach and launches your surf music playlist.

Learn how shortcuts work

What’s an action?

An action — the building block of a shortcut — is a single step in a task. Mix and match actions to create shortcuts that interact with the apps and content on your Apple devices, as well as with content and services on the internet. Each shortcut is made up of one or more actions.

Learn about actions

What is automation?

Automation is a type of shortcut that’s activated by an event, rather than manually. You can use the Shortcuts app to set up a personal or home automation, and then have the automated shortcut run when you arrive or depart, when you change a setting on your iPhone, at a time of day and much more.

Create a personal automation

Where do I find shortcuts?

The Gallery features a curated collection of creative and useful shortcuts. Explore the Gallery to check shortcut possibilities and to see how they’re built. When you find a Gallery shortcut you like, add it to your shortcuts collection with a simple tap and customise it to suit your needs.

Explore the Gallery

To browse the Shortcuts User Guide, click Table of Contents at the top of the page.

Not all apps, services and content shown in the user guide are available in all countries or regions.
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