Siri Shortcuts: An Overview
Each Shortcut includes a specific task or multiple actions that are combined into one job. Not all Shortcuts are designed to work with a voice or finger tap. Instead, these shortcuts start automatically based on location, time of day, or other circumstances.
Using Shortcuts
Some Shortcuts run best as a widget, which you activate directly through the app or from your device’s notifications. Others are ideally suited for use on Apple Watch. To use a Shortcut using your voice, you’ll be asked during the install process to record a phase. Moving forward, you activate the Shortcut by saying, “Hey Siri,” followed by the phrase. Most Shortcuts are found directly in the Gallery section of the Shortcuts app. You can also install Shortcuts by tapping a provided link from a supported device. Once establishing a Shortcut, it becomes accessible across all of your supported devices. You’ll find links for every recommended Shortcut below. Tap “Get Shortcut” for the ones you want to get started, then tap “Add Shortcut” or “Add Untrusted Shortcut,” depending on whether the Shortcut was created by a third-party.
Best Siri Shortcuts for Photography
The following Shortcuts automate your existing photo library in ways big and small. Click the links on your iPhone or iPad only; they won’t work from a computer.
Learn More About Your Photos
Where Was This Taken?: The Photos app does a great job of sorting images by date. But finding the location of the image is a more time-consuming process. Use the Shortcut to quickly find the location. You can use this tool as a standalone Shortcut or from the share in other apps. Naturally, this won’t work on images with no location information. This is also one of our 10 Siri Shortcuts you must begin to use right now!Time Machine: What were you doing 365 days ago? With this Shortcut, you can see a list of photos and videos taken with your device one year ago.
Time to Clean Up
How many photos do you take each year? Do you delete the ones you don’t like? Probably not. The following Shortcuts allow you to remove clutter in the Photos app more easily.
Clear Out Photos: With a few simple taps, you can choose which photos to preview in your library, then delete the ones you no longer want.Clean Up Screenshots: Similar, this Shortcut focuses on screenshots. Just click on the images you wish to delete and follow the on-screen directions.
Sharing Is Caring
You spent a lot of time creating your photos library. With these Shortcuts, you can share the love with others.
Share a Portrait Photo: Some of our most beautiful images were taken in Portrait mode on our iPhone. With this Shortcut, you can find these images quicker to share.Animoji Sharing: This Shortcut allows you to send your new creations with friends from the clipboard or Photos app.Post Live Photo to Instagram: As its name suggests, with this Shortcut, your last Live Photo is automatically posted to your Instagram account. Posted images become videos.Share Animated GIFs: Similarly, you can easily share any of your images that happen to be GIFs.AirDrop Screenshot: Use this Shortcut to share your last screenshot with others via AirDrop.Long Exposure Live Photo Sharing: With this Shortcut, you can quickly share Live Photos that use a long exposure.Share Apple Music Profile: This bonus Apple Music Shortcut lets you quickly share your music profile so they can access your playlists
Odds and ends
These Shortcuts automatically adjust your photos or videos into different files or serve other purposes relating to image files.
Convert Burst to GIF: The frames of Burst photos are changed to an animated GIF with this Shortcut. From there, you can save or share the newly created file.Hands-Free Picture Taking: When added, Siri will take a picture whenever you say the simple words, “Say Cheese!”Search GIPHY and Share: Find the perfect animated GIFs on the popular GIPHY site and share.Make a Live GIF: With this third-party Shortcut, you take a series of photographs, which Siri uses to create a living and breathing masterpiece!
Best Siri Shortcuts for Photography: Going Beyond
Thanks to the Shortcut app on iPhone and iPad, you can automatic you live with ease. When you’re ready to move beyond photography, check out our recommended shortcuts for Spotify. You can also learn how to change your device’s icons using the app. Siri Shortcuts are currently available on iPhone and iPad only.