How to automate repetitive tasks on a Mac
By Suraj, Unloop Studio · Updated
Short answer
Start with the Shortcuts app for simple multi-step actions, Automator for Folder Actions, and shell scripts for file operations. When a task has many rules, needs a visual preview, or is shared with a team, a small custom app built around that one workflow is usually the most reliable option.
Shortcuts
Built into macOS. Good for chaining a few actions — resize images, rename, move — and running them from the menu bar or Finder.
Automator & Folder Actions
Older but still useful: a Folder Action runs automatically when files land in a folder.
Shell scripts & AppleScript
Very powerful for files and apps, but they’re easy to break and hard to hand to someone else.
A custom tool
A focused app with only the controls you need: your folders, your naming, a preview before anything happens, and one button. Best when the task is frequent, has several rules, or other people need to run it.
FAQ
Do I need to know coding to automate my Mac?
Not for Shortcuts. For anything complex, you can describe the task and have a custom tool built for you.
Which is better, Shortcuts or Automator?
Shortcuts is newer and easier; Automator still has Folder Actions. Many people use both.