Write script for custom Automator actions.Complete repetitive tasks automatically with workflows.How does the Automator app on Mac work?.A quick explanation of digital automation.So disregard any comments in this article about Shortcuts replacing Automator – for now, it looks like you’ll have both in macOS Monterey. However, it looks like both apps will be simultaneously supported. Note: When I initially wrote this article, I was under the impression that the Shortcuts app coming to macOS Monterey would be replacing the Automator app on Mac. In this post, I want to raise some awareness for this great app and encourage you guys to start trying automation out! I’ll cover what Automator is, how it works, go through its basic components, and even give you a short tutorial on automating the Light/Dark Mode on your Mac. But for whatever reason, Automator continued to slip under my radar until recently. I’ve had a ton of experience on platforms like Zapier and Integromat.

Lately, though, I’ve been sinking my teeth into the Automator app. And that was to create a global keyboard shortcut on my Mac for getting a word count.

I’ve owned a Mac for about three years now and for a long time had only ever interacted with this app once. Today, we’re going to talk about what might be the most under-used app on Mac (aside from Photo Booth): The Automator app.

Automator mac workflow screenshots