If you feel that you aren't squeezing out all the productivity you can from your Mac, it's likely because you haven't tried out the Shortcuts app. Anyone can use it to simplify complex tasks and automate repetitive actions.

However, not everyone has the time to create shortcuts. Apple knows this, and that's why the Shortcuts app has a Gallery section where users can install ready-made shortcuts. Plus, you can also download shortcuts that anyone else created from the internet.

Below, we'll list some of the best shortcuts you can install on your Mac to boost your productivity.

1. Google Translate

Google Translate macOS Shortcut actions

If you find yourself constantly referencing Google Translate for work or study, this one is for you. This shortcut by u/brechtbakker on Reddit upgrades the default and iOS-limited translators in the Gallery and gives you Google Translate features at the click of a button.

This translation shortcut can copy text from your clipboard or prompt you to input new text. After installing it on your Mac, you can access and use it whenever from the Shortcuts app.

Install: Google Translate

2. Share Availability

Share Availability Shortcut actions

Effective availability communication is a core component of work and meeting success. If this is something that has cropped up as a problem in the past, there is a Mac shortcut solution to solve this problem.

First, ensure that you've set up your events on the Calendar app to reflect your schedule accurately. Once that's done, you can install this shortcut and run it.

This shortcut allows you to send a text summary of your availability through iMessage or your carrier's text message services. You can also save the text directly to your Notes or add it as an item on the Reminders app.

Install: Share Availability

3. Start My Next Meeting

Start My Next Meeting Shortcut actions

Another shortcut to put your Calendar app to good use would be the Start My Next Meeting shortcut scans your schedule for saved meetings in a 30-minute bracket. When it finds a meeting, it automatically connects you to it and generates a note containing the meeting data in your Notes app for reference.

If you use the Zoom desktop app on your Mac, it automatically opens up the app and connects you to the meeting. For those who don't have Zoom installed, we have a guide teaching you how to download and set up Zoom for Mac.

The Start My Next meeting shortcut also recognizes meetings and appointments you add to your Calendar app via Siri. But of course, it won't be able to launch any virtual conference services unless there's a link to one in the meeting item on your calendar.

Install: Start My Next Meeting

4. Make a PDF File

Make PDF Shortcut Actions in Shortcuts App

As the title implies, the Make PDF shortcut fast-tracks your PDF-making process. While there are other ways to convert files to PDF on Mac, this one is certainly one of the fastest.

Unlike the other shortcuts, Make PDF doesn't have prompts asking for input. Instead, this shortcut requires you to already have your input selected. You can do this by control-clicking (or right-clicking) your highlighted item, then clicking Services, and finally selecting Make PDF from the dropdown menu.

Even though the actions in the shortcut suggest that this shortcut also changes images to PDF, it doesn't seem to do so. You might be better off doing that without the shortcut.

Install: Make PDF

5. Auto Message

Auto Message Actions in Shortcuts App

Have you ever wanted to send a message while you're away from your devices? We already know about scheduled emails, but this is different. Auto Message allows you to schedule and send one message to an individual, initiate a conversation with various people, or send different messages to multiple people.

As far as shortcuts go, this one is one of the more complicated ones. It was made by a user on RoutineHub called Bingobucketster with credit to some other Reddit users. Auto Message has menus and prompts that guides you to follow the instructions to use the shortcut successfully.

If you follow the on-screen prompts, Auto Message will guide you through creating a new list on the Reminders app, which you can use to keep track of your automatic messages. However, the main issue with this shortcut is how you have to manually and accurately type in your recipients' names.

Auto Message also allows you to send messages through WhatsApp—but only if you have the desktop app installed. If you don't have WhatsApp installed, you can read our guide on installing WhatsApp on your Mac.

The shortcut is completely free; however, the creator has put an option to donate to them on the menu.

Install: Auto Message

6. Rename Files

Actions in Rename Files Shortcut on Shortcuts App

One simple gem you can find in the Shortcuts Gallery is the Rename Files shortcuts. This shortcut makes it possible to batch rename files. Its features include replacing specific keywords with your input and adding a time date before or after the file name.

However, the Rename Files shortcut doesn't offer any way to completely rename the items in your directory; you must replace something or add an appendage. Therefore, this shortcut only provides a way to mark specific files.

Install: Rename Files

7. Create a Meeting Note

Create Meeting Note Actions on Shortcuts App

Simple notes and reminders can be a bit of a hassle to keep track of. And this is why we think the Create Meeting Note shortcut in the Shortcuts Gallery is the way to go.

This shortcut will scan your notes to see if you have any notes for the next event in your Calendar app. If it doesn't find anything, it will create a note for you in the Notes app. You can then add some things you would like to address before your next meeting.

Install: Create Meeting Note

Stay Productive With These macOS Shortcuts

The greatest strength shortcuts offer aside from automation is their flexibility. Once you get the hang of the language or what each action does, you can tweak a few things here and there to make it more to your taste.

Your other Apple devices, like your iPhone and iPad, can also follow you on your productivity journey, offering a more structured and planned life outside your work desk.