Basic actions

If you’re new to Shortcuts, these actions are the least complex and should be self-explanatory based on the title or description.

Some of these are deceivingly staightforward too – as just one piece of the puzzle, the utility may not be clear, but Related Actions can help show how to use each in context.

These actions aren’t “just for beginners” either – some simple actions are the most-used.

shortcuts-action-icon-get-battery-level.webp
Get Battery Level
Outputs the percentage of battery remaining as a number from 0 to 100.
Show More
shortcuts-action-icon-set-playback-destination.webp
Change Playback Destination
Sets playback destination to a device. Device The device to set playback destination to.
Show More
shortcuts-action-icon-save-file.webp
Save File
Save files to iCloud Drive. Turn off “Ask Where to Save” in order to specify a destination path in the Shortcuts folder.
Show More
shortcuts-action-icon-get-file-from-folder.webp
Get File from Folder
Get files from iCloud Drive or Files. Turn off “Show Document Picker” to specify a path to retrieve.
Show More
Log Health Sample
Adds a data point into the Health app.
Show More
Log Workout
Adds a workout into the Health app without requiring an Apple Watch. You can log all kinds of activities, from running and cycling to playing a sport.
Show More
shortcuts-action-icon-flip-image.webp
Flip Image
Reverses the direction of images either horizontally or vertically.
Show More
Open a presentation
Open a presentation.
Show More
shortcuts-action-icon-choose-from-list.webp
Choose from List
Presents a menu of the items passed as input to the action and outputs the user’s selection. Prompt The instruction provided when the list is presented. Select Multiple When enabled, multiple items may be chosen from the list.
Show More
shortcuts-action-icon-get-current-location.webp
Get Current Location
Gets the current location of the device using the GPS signal.
Show More
shortcuts-action-icon-location.webp
Location
Passes the specific location to the next action (or as a magic variable). Result Location Requires Access to your location
Show More
Get Email Addresses from Input
Returns any email addresses found in the output from the previous action.
Show More
Email Address
Passes the specified email addresses to the next action.
Show More
Select Email Address
Prompts to pick an email address from your contacts and passes the selection to the next action.
Show More
shortcuts-action-icon-open-in-maps.webp
Open in Maps
Opens your choice of Maps, Google Maps, or Waze and searches for the location, place, or text that was passed into the action.
Show More
3 / 8Previous123456Next Last

 

Get more powerful ways to browse – sign up for a membership.