Your Mac has a powerful automation tool most people never open
Ignored by many, [[Shortcuts]] on [[macOS]] is a surprisingly powerful, preinstalled automation tool that offers a modern, block-based replacement for [[Automator]] and makes creating workflows approachable without code. Using drag-and-drop actions and a Gallery of ready-made shortcuts, users can chain system and third-party actions, set triggers (time, charging, device connection) and build automations that run automatically. The article describes practical examples: combining [[BetterDisplay]] to reconfigure layouts when an external keyboard connects to a [[MacBook]], invoking [[Google Assistant]] to control non‑HomeKit lights, and launching a Focus mode and playlist when opening [[Slack]]. Shortcuts sync across iPhone and iPad and supports integrations with APIs and LLMs like Gemini or GPT, letting hobbyists and developers extend functionality far beyond basic macros. Its approachable interface encourages experimentation, making advanced automation accessible to casual users and power users alike.