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About Automator
Automator is included with macOS. You build a workflow by chaining actions, such as renaming a batch of files or resizing images, and then run it whenever you need to repeat the task.
Apple's user guide explains how to create and use workflows. Automator suits Mac users who want to automate routine jobs without writing code. For newer automation on the Mac, Apple also offers the Shortcuts app, which has its own listing.
Strengths
- Already installed on every Mac
- Builds workflows without programming
- Apple user guide documents how to use it
Limitations
- macOS only
- Apple now puts more focus on Shortcuts
Details
- Pricing
- FreeIncluded with macOS at no extra cost.
- License
- Proprietary
- Developer
- Apple
- Platforms
- macOS
- How it runs
- Operating system
- Account
- Not required
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Mac users automating routine file and app tasks without code
- Categories
- Automation
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to Automator
Compare allSoftware that can replace Automator for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
Apple Shortcuts
Apple's built-in drag-and-drop automation app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 necessarily a direct replacement.
Lingon
A macOS app for scheduling apps, scripts, shortcuts and commands to run at set times or at login.
Outset
A macOS utility that automatically runs scripts and packages at boot, at user login or on demand.
PopClip
A macOS utility that shows a small menu of actions whenever you select text in any app.
Quicksilver
An open-source macOS launcher that opens apps and files and acts on them from the keyboard.
Drafts
An Apple-platform app for capturing text quickly and sending it elsewhere with actions.
Pushcut
An iOS app that shows actionable notifications and widgets triggered by webhooks, Shortcuts and HomeKit.
