Alternatives to Automator

The macOS app for building workflows that automate repetitive tasks on a Mac. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

  • Automator

    The macOS app for building workflows that automate repetitive tasks on a Mac.

    FreeProprietarymacOS

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Automator.

  • Apple Shortcuts

    Apple's built-in drag-and-drop automation app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

    FreeProprietarymacOSiOS

    Apple Shortcuts is also free and built in, adds iPhone and iPad support, and is where Apple now puts its focus, though complex logic is limited.

  • Keyboard Maestro

    Visual macro builder for automating apps, files, and workflows on macOS.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

    Keyboard Maestro is a paid one-time license with a visual macro editor and deeper triggers for almost any macOS event, handling more complex conditional automations.

  • Hammerspoon

    A bridge between macOS and Lua that lets a short script move windows, bind hotkeys and react to system events.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOS

    Hammerspoon is free and open source under MIT, but requires writing Lua scripts before it does anything, in exchange for reaching windows, hotkeys and system events.

  • Hazel

    A macOS app that watches folders and files documents automatically according to rules you create.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

    Hazel is paid and focuses on rule-based file filing by watching folders, running automatically instead of workflows you start by hand.

  • BetterTouchTool

    macOS customization tool for trackpad gestures, shortcuts, and window snapping.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

    BetterTouchTool is paid and centers on trackpad gestures, shortcuts and window snapping, with actions tied to input rather than file-focused workflows.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.

  • Lingon

    A macOS app for scheduling apps, scripts, shortcuts and commands to run at set times or at login.

    FreemiumProprietarymacOS

  • Outset

    A macOS utility that automatically runs scripts and packages at boot, at user login or on demand.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOS

  • PopClip

    A macOS utility that shows a small menu of actions whenever you select text in any app.

    PaidProprietarymacOS

  • Quicksilver

    An open-source macOS launcher that opens apps and files and acts on them from the keyboard.

    FreeOpen sourcemacOS

  • Drafts

    An Apple-platform app for capturing text quickly and sending it elsewhere with actions.

    FreemiumProprietarymacOSiOS

  • Pushcut

    An iOS app that shows actionable notifications and widgets triggered by webhooks, Shortcuts and HomeKit.

    FreemiumProprietaryiOS