# Shortery - Automated Shortcuts Execution ## Overview Shortery is a macOS automation utility developed by Unit Numberfive that supercharges Apple's native Shortcuts app by enabling automatic execution of shortcuts based on 17+ system triggers and events. Rather than manually launching shortcuts, Shortery monitors system states and context changes to trigger shortcuts automatically without user intervention. Built for Mac power users and productivity enthusiasts, it transforms manual workflows into intelligent automation through event-based execution, turning the Shortcuts app from a reactive tool into a proactive automation engine. ## Key Features - **17+ Automation Triggers**: Comprehensive trigger system across multiple categories including applications (launch/quit/active state), audio events, calendar meetings, camera monitoring, device connections (USB, Bluetooth, headphones), focus modes, folder monitoring, global hotkeys, light/dark mode, network changes, power states, screen lock/unlock, time schedules, and custom timers - **Focus Mode Integration**: Advanced integration with Apple Focus Modes (macOS 14.0+) that passes focus context directly to shortcuts for context-aware automation - **External Shortcut Execution**: Calls shortcuts externally from the Shortcuts app via system APIs, enabling system-level automation capabilities - **Real-Time System Monitoring**: Continuously monitors system events and triggers associated shortcuts when conditions are met - **HomeKit Integration**: Seamlessly triggers HomeKit scenes and smart home automation based on system events - **Time-Based Automation**: Supports scheduled execution, intervals, and natural triggers like sunrise/sunset - **Debugging Tools**: Built-in "last run date" tracking and Logger App integration for troubleshooting automation workflows - **Privacy-Aware**: Respects macOS privacy settings and Shortcuts app permissions - **Lightweight**: Only 3.6 MB app size with minimal system resource usage - **Apple Silicon Optimized**: Native support for both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs ## Use Cases - **Context Switching**: Automatically play specific music playlists when headphones connect, toggle VPN when joining certain WiFi networks, or adjust system settings based on time of day or focus mode - **Productivity Workflows**: Set window layouts when work apps launch, start time tracking when calendar meetings begin, switch focus modes based on connected devices, or get directions when appointments approach - **Home Automation**: Toggle HomeKit scenes based on time of day or location, control smart home devices when specific apps launch, or adjust lighting based on sunrise/sunset without manual intervention - **System Monitoring**: Get notifications when external drives connect/disconnect, monitor folder changes for automated file organization, track app usage patterns, or receive alerts on low battery or power adapter changes - **Meeting Management**: Automatically enable Do Not Disturb when joining video calls, launch meeting-specific apps when calendar events start, or trigger end-of-meeting cleanup shortcuts - **Development Workflows**: Monitor file system changes for automated builds, trigger deployment scripts when code is pushed, or launch debugging tools when development apps open ## Platform Support - **macOS**: Primary and exclusive platform (requires macOS 13.0 or later, recommended macOS 14.0+ for Focus Mode triggers) - **Architecture**: Universal binary supporting both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs - **Distribution**: Available exclusively through Mac App Store (App ID: 1594183810) - **Integration**: Deep integration with Apple Shortcuts app and HomeKit framework - **iOS/iPadOS**: Not available (macOS exclusive) ## Pricing - **Free Version**: Core application available at no cost with basic trigger functionality - **Pro Upgrade**: $9.99 USD one-time in-app purchase unlocking advanced triggers and features - **No Subscription**: One-time purchase model with lifetime access (no recurring fees) - **App Store**: All purchases handled through Mac App Store with standard refund policies ## Integrations - **Apple Shortcuts**: Primary integration - executes any shortcut created in the native macOS Shortcuts app - **HomeKit**: Direct integration for triggering smart home scenes and device controls - **Focus Modes**: Native macOS Focus Mode integration with context passing (macOS 14.0+) - **Calendar**: Monitors calendar events for meeting start/end triggers - **System APIs**: Deep system-level integration for monitoring audio, camera, network, power, and device states - **Logger App**: Optional integration for debugging and tracking automation execution ## Installation 1. Download Shortery from Mac App Store (search "Shortery" or use App ID: 1594183810) 2. Launch app and grant necessary system permissions when prompted 3. Create shortcuts in the native macOS Shortcuts app 4. Configure triggers in Shortery and associate with your shortcuts 5. Test automation by triggering the associated system event **System Requirements**: - macOS 13.0 or later (macOS 14.0+ recommended for full feature set) - Apple Shortcuts app installed (included with macOS) - Administrator rights may be required for certain triggers to function while Mac is locked **Permissions Required**: - Shortcuts app access - System events monitoring - Privacy settings for specific triggers (camera, audio, screen recording, etc.) - Accessibility permissions for advanced automation ## Technical Details - **Architecture**: External shortcut execution via system APIs rather than internal Shortcuts app execution - **Execution Model**: Monitors system events in background and calls shortcuts when trigger conditions match - **Data Passing**: Supports passing trigger context (e.g., focus mode name, connected device info) as input parameters to shortcuts - **Limitations**: Some standard Shortcuts operations may not work when executed externally; locked Mac state can delay execution until unlock (unless admin rights configured); both basic and advanced Shortcuts privacy settings affect functionality - **Performance**: Minimal system impact with efficient event monitoring; slight delays inherent in system event detection - **Debugging**: Includes "last run date" tracking for each trigger to verify execution history - **Troubleshooting**: If triggers fail, restart Shortcuts Events service: `killall 'Shortcuts Events'` ## Best Practices - **Verify Execution**: Use "last run date" in trigger settings to confirm shortcuts are executing as expected - **Add Debugging**: Include alerts or Logger App actions in shortcuts during development to track execution - **Permission Configuration**: Grant all necessary system permissions before expecting automation to work reliably - **Test Manually First**: Verify shortcuts run correctly when triggered manually before setting up automatic triggers - **Understand Lock State**: Be aware that Mac lock state affects trigger reliability; configure admin rights if automation must run while locked - **Start Simple**: Begin with basic triggers (time, hotkeys) before implementing complex conditional automation - **Focus Mode Requirements**: Ensure macOS 14.0+ for Focus Mode triggers; they won't work on earlier versions ## Developer Information - **Company**: Unit Numberfive oHG - **Location**: Hamburg, Germany - **Founders**: Margit and Lars Gerckens - **Philosophy**: Progressive, independent studio building "lovable, meaningful productivity apps" - **Other Apps**: [[Tyme]] (time tracking), Soonie (meeting reminders) - **Version**: 8.2 (as of October 2025) - **Updates**: Regular feature updates and macOS compatibility improvements ## Related Notes - [[Apple Shortcuts]] - MOC for Apple Shortcuts ecosystem and automation workflows - [[Automation Resources]] - General automation resources and tools ## Remarks Shortery has established itself as an essential automation utility for Mac users who want to eliminate manual shortcut triggers and create truly automated workflows without writing code. By providing 17+ system-level triggers that integrate seamlessly with Apple's native Shortcuts app, it transforms reactive shortcuts into proactive automation that responds intelligently to system context, device states, and user patterns. The tool's focus on external shortcut execution enables powerful system-level automation while maintaining the simplicity and accessibility of the Shortcuts app, making it particularly valuable for productivity enthusiasts, remote workers managing multiple contexts, and smart home users seeking deeper automation integration. Its one-time purchase model, lightweight footprint, and active development by an independent studio make Shortery an excellent choice for Mac users looking to maximize the potential of their Shortcuts library through intelligent, event-driven automation.