Over the years, I tried several times to learn Workflow app. I didn’t have the patience. I’d start experimenting, but invariably, the app would hang, I would get frustrated not knowing what I was doing wrong, and I’d quit. After Apple purchased Workflow and reintroduced it as Shortcuts, I knew I was missing out. I tried building a few simple automations but failed.

I have been working on a new website (HealthHippieMD) and have a growing need for automating the technology in my life. I knew I had to learn Shortcuts, but given my past experience, I was dreading the process—both the frustration and the time I knew it was going to take.

Once again, David Sparks (MacSparky) came to the rescue. I was ecstatic to learn about his Shortcuts Field Guide, iOS13 Edition . I’ve learned so much from David over the years, I had no problem plunking down the $29-course fee. The course was more than worth the price.

Given my previous attempts at learning Shortcuts, I was somewhat familiar with the app. I did not need the introductory materials, although they are very well done. What I found invaluable was how David, in his videos, shows each step of building specific automations—he also throws in tips and tricks he’s learned over the last several years.

After watching David make a few automations, I decided to give my new knowledge a try. In a matter of minutes, I was able to build a new shortcut to dictate and capture new ideas for research and my blogs (to complement my Drafts to Ulysses written idea capture). With a little research on the web, I updated several of my existing Drafts actions to take advantage of Shortcuts. I’ll post an update on those soon.

The guide is built for Shortcuts in iOS 13. I have not yet upgraded to iOS 13, but still found the information useful and highly applicable. I’m looking forward to the added functionality I learned about when I upgrade.

Thanks for your field guide, David. You saved me hours of time and endless frustration.