For example, you could build a workflow that allows you to instantly resize, rename, and organize thousands of image files by clicking a single icon. You have the power to create a shortcut to perform redundant tasks. The Workflow app for iOS brings similar capabilities to your iPhone or iPad, and the options are truly endless.
Try Pre-Made Workflows
If you’ve never built an automated workflow before, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, the Workflow app allows you to view a gallery of pre-made workflows submitted by other users and developers. Instead of building your workflow from scratch, you can just install a workflow from the gallery.
One great example is “Get Lyrics.” This workflow installs a special icon on your home screen. If you’re listening to a song through your iOS Music app and want to get the lyrics, just tap on the “Get Lyrics” icon on your home screen, allow the workflow to run, and your device will automatically display search results for the song. This shortcut allows you to search for lyrics without having to exit your music app, open Safari, and type in your search query. If you open the Workflow and examine the “Get Lyrics” process, then you can see the programming actions and steps that enable this workflow to operate.
Build Your Own Workflow
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of what this app can do, it’s time to build your own workflow. Let’s say you’ve got a work calendar on your iPhone, and every week you need to email your colleagues a copy of your upcoming events. Instead of composing a new email each week, you can create an automated workflow.
First, press the “+” sign to create a new workflow. Tap the “Actions” button, tap “Calendar,” and drag “Get Upcoming Events” into your workflow. Customize the number of events and the date range. Return to the actions menu, choose “Sharing,” and drag “Send Email” into your workflow. If you send this schedule update to the same group of people each week, then add their email address to the appropriate fields. You can even enter a subject line, such as “This week’s work schedule.”
Hit the “Play” icon at the top of the workflow to watch it run. After it finishes, you should have an email addressed to your colleagues with a .ics calendar file attached to it. If you prefer to send out a plain text version of the calendar, you can always add “Get Text from Input” between steps one and two. Now, you won’t have to manually type out these schedule emails ever again! Simply press “Send” and your colleagues will receive the email.
Once you’ve configured the workflow to your liking, choose “Add to Home Screen” to create a handy shortcut icon. Now, whenever that email is due, you can just tap the icon, and it will compose the message and grab the calendar information for you.
For other fun examples, like “Tap to order pizza,” take a look at this Lifehacker tutorial.
Compatibility and App Extensions
One of the coolest things about the Workflow app is its compatibility across many native and third-party iOS app. For example, you can create workflows that will quickly share information to social media. You can also build app “extensions,” which allow you to operate workflows immediately within apps like Safari. For example, while reading a webpage in Safari, you can create a workflow extension that will automatically turn the website into a PDF and open / save it to iBooks. After you build the workflow, simply choose “Action Extension” from the Type field. Rather than accessing the workflow from your Home screen, these extensions can be access from the Safari app share menu.
Going Beyond Drag and Drop
If you’re handy with code, then you can actually build some really advanced miniature apps through workflow. Just take a look through the “Scripting” category of the Actions menu, and you’ll see just how complex you can make these workflows.
Ready to try your hand at automating iOS tasks? Pick up Workflow from the App Store and start building your own awesome apps.
