Shortcuts Automator

Manage and run macOS Shortcuts from OpenClaw: list, execute, view details, and sign shortcuts for automation via CLI commands.

Overview

This skill enables OpenClaw to interact with macOS Shortcuts (formerly Automator) directly from conversation. It provides CLI commands to list, run, view, and manage shortcuts.

Quick Start

# List all available shortcuts
shortcuts list

# Run a specific shortcut by name
shortcuts run "My Shortcut Name"

# View details of a shortcut
shortcuts view "My Shortcut Name"

# Sign a shortcut for automation (if needed)
shortcuts sign "My Shortcut Name"

Commands

shortcuts list

Lists all shortcuts available in the user's Shortcuts library.

shortcuts list

Output: Returns a list of all shortcut names with folder information.

Use when: User asks "what shortcuts do I have", "list shortcuts", "show me my shortcuts", "what automations can I run".

shortcuts run <name>

Runs a shortcut by its exact name. The shortcut must exist in the user's Shortcuts folder.

shortcuts run "Morning Routine"
shortcuts run "Send Email"

Parameters:

• <name>: Exact name of the shortcut (use quotes if name contains spaces)

Use when: User says "run shortcut X", "execute shortcut X", "run automation X", "trigger shortcut X".

Notes:

• Some shortcuts require input (text, files, etc.) - will prompt or pass through
• Shortcuts run with user permissions
• Output from the shortcut is returned as text

shortcuts view <name>

Shows detailed information about a shortcut, including its actions and workflow.

shortcuts view "Morning Routine"

Output: Returns the shortcut's description, actions, and workflow steps.

Use when: User asks "what does shortcut X do", "show me shortcut X", "view automation X", "tell me about shortcut X".

shortcuts sign <name>

Signs a shortcut to allow it to run from the command line (required for some automation scenarios).

shortcuts sign "My Shortcut"

Use when: Shortcut fails to run with "not signed" error, or user wants to enable CLI execution.

Error Handling

"No shortcuts found"

Cause: Shortcuts library is empty or inaccessible.

Solution:

• Create shortcuts in the Shortcuts app
• Check Shortcuts app permissions in System Settings > Privacy & Security

"Shortcut not found" / "Could not find shortcut"

Cause: Shortcut name doesn't match exactly or shortcut was deleted.

Solution:

• Run shortcuts list to see exact names
• Use the exact name including capitalization
• Check if the shortcut is in a specific folder (use folder name: "Folder/Shortcut Name")

"Not allowed to run" / "Shortcut not signed"

Cause: Shortcut needs to be signed for CLI execution.

Solution:

shortcuts sign "Shortcut Name"

Or enable in Shortcuts app: Right-click shortcut > Toggle "Allow Running from Command Line"

"Permission denied" / "Automation access denied"

Cause: OpenClaw doesn't have permission to control Shortcuts.

Solution:

• Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Automation
• Enable OpenClaw/your app in the list

Shortcut hangs or times out

Cause: Shortcut may be waiting for input or stuck in a loop.

Solution:

• Use shortcuts view to inspect the shortcut's actions
• Check if the shortcut requires user interaction
• Add timeout when calling: timeout 30 shortcuts run "Name"

Examples

User says: "Run my morning routine shortcut"

shortcuts run "Morning Routine"

**User shortcuts do I have?"

shortcuts list

User says: "Show me what the email shortcut does"

shortcuts view "Send Daily Email"

User says: "I need to sign a shortcut for automation"

shortcuts sign "My Automation Shortcut"

Security Considerations

⚠️ Important: Shortcuts can execute shell commands, access files, and control other apps.

• Only run trusted shortcuts — Review your shortcuts before running them
• Shortcuts have access to your files, emails, calendar, and other data depending on their actions
• Be cautious with shortcuts from unknown sources or those that include shell commands
• Regularly review your shortcuts in the Shortcuts app
• Shortcuts run with your user permissions, so they can access anything you can