Create a workflow in Automator on Mac
To create an Automator workflow, you choose the type of workflow you want, and then add actions to it.
Choose a workflow
In the Automator app
on your Mac, choose File > New.Select a type of workflow:
Workflow: A workflow you can run within the Automator app.
Application: A standalone workflow that runs when you open it or drop files or folders on it.
Quick Action: A workflow that you can add to Finder windows, the Touch Bar, and the Services menu. For more information about using Quick Action workflows, see Use Quick Action workflows on Mac.
Print Plugin: A workflow that’s available in the Print dialogue.
Folder Action: A workflow attached to a folder in the Finder. When items are added to the folder, the workflow runs and the files are used as input to the workflow.
Calendar Alarm: A workflow that runs when a calendar event occurs.
Image Capture Plugin: A workflow that's available in the Image Capture app
on your Mac.Dictation Command: A workflow that runs when dictation is used.
Click Choose.
After you choose a workflow, you add actions to it.
Add actions to a workflow
Actions in the Automator Library are grouped into categories by app or type of file or data. Each action is a single step in a workflow.
In the Automator app
on your Mac, find an action by doing any of the following:See all available actions: Click the disclosure triangle to expand the Library.
See actions related to a specific category: Select the category in the Library column.
Search for a particular action: Enter a word in the search field. If you click a category in the Library and then enter a search term in the search field, only the actions related to the category are searched.
Record your own action: Click the Record button and complete the task you want to automate. When finished, click the Stop button.
To add an action to your workflow, double-click it.
Note: If you record an action, it automatically appears in your workflow.
Add additional actions, as needed.
To save your workflow, choose File > Save.
If you created a specific type of workflow, such as an Application or Calendar Alarm, the workflow is saved as that type. For example, if you chose the Calendar Alarm workflow when you save it, Automator automatically opens Calendar and creates a Calendar alarm event.