Command line and power tools

Automator for files

Updated 2026-07-31 · 4 min read

Automator predates Shortcuts and still wins for file-heavy, Finder-integrated tasks.

Where Automator fits

For file work triggered from Finder — right-click a selection and run something — Automator's Quick Actions remain the smoothest route. It also owns Folder Actions, which Shortcuts cannot do.

Quick Action: batch resize images

1. Automator → Quick Action, input: image files in Finder
2. Add Copy Finder Items (to a subfolder, so originals survive)
3. Add Scale Images → to 1600px
4. Save as "Resize to 1600"

Now: select images in Finder → right-click → Quick Actions → Resize to 1600.

Quick Action: combine PDFs

1. Quick Action, input PDF files
2. Combine PDF Pages → appending
3. Move Finder Items → to Desktop, or Ask for Finder Items to choose

Merging PDFs without opening an app or uploading to a website.

Quick Action: file by type

1. Quick Action, input files
2. Run Shell Script, pass input as arguments:

for f in "$@"; do
  case "$f" in
    *.pdf) mv "$f" ~/Documents/PDFs/ ;;
    *.jpg|*.png) mv "$f" ~/Pictures/Inbox/ ;;
  esac
done

Folder Action: watch and process

The one Shortcuts cannot replicate — attach a workflow to a folder so it runs on arrival. The folder-actions article covers the pattern; combined with the recipes above, a Downloads folder can sort and resize its own contents.

Automator vs Shortcuts

Shortcuts is friendlier and cross-platform with iOS; Automator is better at Finder integration and is the only route to Folder Actions. Both embed shell scripts, so neither hits a hard wall. For file tasks specifically, Automator's Finder-native feel still earns its place.

Common questions

Can Automator rename files in bulk?

Yes — a Quick Action with Rename Finder Items, run from the right-click menu on any Finder selection.

Automator or Shortcuts for file tasks?

Automator for Finder-integrated and folder-watching work; Shortcuts for friendlier, cross-device automation. Both run shell scripts.