How to Use Shortcuts on Mac and Save Time [VIDEO]

Image: Apple Support on YouTube

Apple recently published a new video tutorial on its Apple Support YouTube channel, explaining how Shortcuts, a feature introduced with macOS Monterey, works and how you can use it.

“You can save time on your Mac by automating the things you do most, and combining multiple steps into just one,” says Apple in the video.

MacOS Monterey became available to download on Monday, and is compatible with a number of Macs stretching as far back as 2013 (for the Mac Pro).

Here’s how you can use set up and use Shortcuts for different actions on Mac:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app. On the homepage, you’ll see Shortcuts from other Apple devices you’re signed in to, as well as a number of Starter Shortcuts — personalized Shortcuts from Siri that are “based on how you use your devices.”
  2. Click on Gallery in the sidebar. Here, you’ll find pre-made shortcuts organized into different categories like productivity, accessibility, Siri, and more, depending on what they do.
  3. Select the Shortcut you want to create, and click on it. For example, if you want to launch two different apps in split-screen mode with just one click, click on the Split Screen 2 Apps Shortcut under the Get Organized category.
  4. When you click on a Shortcut, you’ll see a description of what it does, compatible Siri commands, and other apps/devices the Shortcut can be used on. Click on Add Shortcut… to configure it.
  5. In the resulting pop-up window, you’ll be asked to enter information and select your preferences as to apps, dates, and times. The Split Screen 2 Apps Shortcut, for example, asks you to select the two apps you want to launch in split-screen mode.
  6. Once you’ve configured the Shortcut for what you want it to do, click on Add Shortcut.

You can run the Shortcuts you create from the menu bar, Spotlight, Siri, and more. To add a Shortcut to the menu bar, navigate to All Shortcuts in the Shortcuts app, and drag the desired Shortcut over to the Menu bar entry in the app’s sidebar.

Image: Apple Support on YouTube

To run a Shortcut from the menu bar, click on the Shortcuts icon on the menu bar, and click on the Shortcut you want to run in the resulting dropdown menu.

YouTube video

Watch the full Apple Support tutorial video above for a visual guide.

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