How to get started with Shortcuts on your MacBook
macOS 27 Golden Gate introduces an AI-powered feature called Describe a Shortcut that simplifies the creation of automation scripts in the Shortcuts app. Users can now type natural language prompts to generate complex workflows, such as organizing files or summarizing text, without needing to manually configure individual actions. The feature requires an M1 chip or later to utilize Apple Intelligence, making it unavailable for Intel-based Macs.
- ▪macOS 27 Golden Gate adds a Describe a Shortcut feature that uses AI to build automations from text prompts.
- ▪Providing specific details in prompts, such as file age and destination folders, improves the accuracy of the generated shortcuts.
- ▪Users can assign keyboard shortcuts or pin actions to the menu bar to ensure frequently used automations remain accessible.
- ▪The AI capabilities in Shortcuts require a Mac with an M1 chip or newer, excluding Intel-based systems from using this feature.
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| Original publisher | Engadget |
| Canonical URL | https://www.engadget.com/2269315/how-to-use-macbook-shortcuts/ |
| Publication time | Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:30:00 +0000 |
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Big Tech Apple How to get started with Shortcuts on your MacBook Automate your Mac with ease using Shortcuts and Apple Intelligence. By Filipe Espósito Sept. 28, 2026 8:30 pm EST Filipe Espósito for Engadget Add Engadget on Google: Preferred Source Google Discover Shortcuts has been available on Mac since macOS Monterey, but it's one of those utilities many Mac users have never explored. At first, it can seem too complicated. You have to know which actions to choose and how to connect them, then hope it all works. But macOS 27 Golden Gate changes that with Describe a Shortcut, which lets you type exactly what you need and have Shortcuts do the heavy work for you with AI. It doesn't always work, but it makes the app much easier to use — especially if you're not an expert.
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