How to Create Automations in macOS Tahoe

macOS Tahoe has iOS-style Shortcut automations that can run automatically based on time, system events, or other triggers, which is functionality that was not previously available.

To create an automation:

1. Open the Shortcuts app: Find and launch the Shortcuts application from your Applications folder.
2. Go to the Automation tab: In the sidebar on the left, click on Automation.
3. Start a new automation:
   • Click the + button in the top-right corner.
   • Alternatively, go to File > New Automation.

4. Choose a trigger: Select an event from the list that will start your automation. This could be a time of day, when a specific app is opened or closed, when an email is received, or when an external drive is connected.
5. Create the shortcut:

1. Click “Next” after choosing your trigger.
2. Build the shortcut you want to run when the trigger is activated. This can be a new shortcut or one you’ve already created.
3. You can add actions, set parameters, and define the shortcut’s behavior. For example, you could create a shortcut to open a specific app and then link it to the “App Opens” trigger.
4. Configure run options:

1. Choose whether the automation should Run Immediately or Run After Confirmation (which will show a notification prompt).
2. Click Done to save and enable the automation.