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.
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.
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.
Where do I find shortcuts?
The Gallery features a curated collection of creative and useful shortcuts. Explore the Gallery to check out 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 customize it to suit your needs.
To browse the Shortcuts User Guide, click Table of Contents at the top of the page.