generate-shortcuts-skill

🥈Silver

Generates valid macOS/iOS Shortcuts plist files for Apple's Shortcuts app. Ideal for operations teams automating workflows. Connects to Claude Code for AI-assisted shortcut creation.

180110Updated 2w ago

Intermediate30min to implementautomation

Saves ~10 min per use

Quick InstallView Source

git clone https://github.com/drewocarr/generate-shortcuts-skill.git

Works with:

Claude

Overview

About This Skill

Generates valid macOS/iOS Shortcuts plist files for Apple's Shortcuts app. Ideal for operations teams automating workflows. Connects to Claude Code for AI-assisted shortcut creation.

How to Use

[{"step":1,"action":"Define your workflow requirements. Use the prompt template to specify the exact action (e.g., 'Batch Rename Files'), required functions (e.g., 'process files in a folder'), inputs (e.g., 'folder path and naming pattern'), and target Shortcuts app version (e.g., 'v2.0+').","tip":"Be specific about inputs and outputs. For example, instead of 'process files', specify 'rename image files from Camera Roll with date prefix'."},{"step":2,"action":"Run the generated plist file through Claude Code to validate the XML structure and test for compatibility. Use the command: `validate_shortcut.py --file batch_rename.shortcut --check-actions`.","tip":"Use the Shortcuts app's built-in debugger to test the workflow after importing. Look for warnings about deprecated actions if targeting older iOS versions."},{"step":3,"action":"Import the validated plist file into the Shortcuts app on your target device. On macOS, drag the .shortcut file into ~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.shortcuts/Shortcuts/. On iOS, use AirDrop or iCloud Drive to transfer the file.","tip":"Enable 'Show in Share Sheet' in the Shortcut settings to make it accessible from other apps. Test the shortcut with sample data before deploying it widely."},{"step":4,"action":"Document the shortcut's purpose, inputs, and expected outputs for your team. Share the plist file and a brief README in your internal wiki or repository.","tip":"Include error handling steps (e.g., 'If file exists, append _1') and version compatibility notes (e.g., 'Requires iOS 15+ for Repeat Each action')."},{"step":5,"action":"Set up automation triggers. For example, use Folder Actions on macOS to run the shortcut when new files are added to a directory, or create a Siri Shortcut on iOS for hands-free operation.","tip":"Use the 'Ask for Input' action sparingly in automated workflows. Prefer hardcoded paths or environment variables for reliability."}]

Setup & Installation

Quick Install

No install command available. Check the GitHub repository for manual installation instructions.

Alternative Install (Git Clone)

git clone https://github.com/drewocarr/generate-shortcuts-skill

Requirements

Claude Code or compatible AI agent
Works with: Claude

Quick Start Guide

Install the Skill

Copy the install command above and run it in your terminal.

Open Your AI Agent

Launch Claude Code, Cursor, or your preferred AI coding agent.

Try It Out

Use the prompt template or examples below to test the skill.

Customize

Adapt the skill to your specific use case and workflow.

Usage Examples

Prompt Template

Generate a macOS/iOS Shortcuts plist file for [ACTION]. The shortcut should [FUNCTION] and include [INPUTS]. Use [FORMAT] for the output. Ensure the shortcut is compatible with Shortcuts app version [VERSION].

Example Output

```xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
    <key>shortcutName</key>
    <string>Batch Rename Files</string>
    <key>shortcutActions</key>
    <array>
        <dict>
            <key>actionName</key>
            <string>Get Folder Contents</string>
            <key>parameters</key>
            <dict>
                <key>folderPath</key>
                <string>./Documents/</string>
            </dict>
        </dict>
        <dict>
            <key>actionName</key>
            <string>Repeat Each</string>
            <key>parameters</key>
            <dict>
                <key>input</key>
                <string>ShortcutInput</string>
            </dict>
        </dict>
        <dict>
            <key>actionName</key>
            <string>Rename File</string>
            <key>parameters</key>
            <dict>
                <key>newName</key>
                <string>IMG_[DATE:yyyyMMdd]_[INDEX]</string>
            </dict>
        </dict>
    </array>
    <key>shortcutIdentifier</key>
    <string>com.example.batchrename</string>
</dict>
</plist>
```

This Shortcuts plist file creates a workflow named 'Batch Rename Files' that processes all files in the Documents folder, renaming them sequentially with a date prefix (e.g., IMG_20240515_1.jpg). The shortcut uses three core actions: Get Folder Contents to retrieve files, Repeat Each to iterate through them, and Rename File with dynamic naming. The output is a valid .shortcut file that can be imported directly into the Shortcuts app on macOS or iOS. The workflow assumes the user has read/write permissions for the target directory and handles basic error cases like duplicate filenames by automatically appending an index number.