Using the Shortcuts app with Left

The iOS Shortcuts app lets you automate actions and combine apps into powerful workflows. Here's how to use Shortcuts with Left to open the app quickly, build automations, and connect Left to the rest of your iPhone.

What you can do with Shortcuts + Left

• Open Left from anywhere — via the Action Button, a Home Screen shortcut, or Siri
• Create a quick-launch icon — add a Shortcut to your Home Screen that opens Left with a custom icon
• Automate with personal automations — trigger Left to open when you arrive somewhere, at a certain time, or when you connect to a charger
• Build multi-step workflows — chain Left with other actions, like logging to a note or sending a reminder

Step 1 — Create an "Open Left" shortcut

1. Open the Shortcuts app (built into iOS — no download needed).
2. Tap + to create a new shortcut.
3. Tap Add Action and search for "Open App".
4. Tap the App field and select Left.
5. Tap the shortcut name at the top to rename it — e.g., "Left" or "Check countdown".
6. Tap Done.

Step 2 — Add it to your Home Screen

1. In the Shortcuts app, long-press your new shortcut.
2. Tap Details, then Add to Home Screen.
3. Give it a name and optionally choose a custom icon (tap the icon square to pick a photo or choose from glyphs).
4. Tap Add. It appears on your Home Screen as a tappable shortcut.

Step 3 — Trigger it with Siri

Any shortcut can be triggered by voice. Just say "Hey Siri, [shortcut name]" — for example, "Hey Siri, Open Left" — and Left will launch hands-free.

Step 4 — Assign to the Action Button

On iPhone 15 Pro and later, you can assign any Shortcut to the Action Button. See the Action Button guide for step-by-step instructions.

Personal automations with Left

Shortcuts' Automation tab lets you trigger shortcuts automatically based on conditions. Useful ideas:

• Morning routine — open Left automatically at 8 AM so you start the day seeing your countdowns
• Arrive at work — trigger Left when you reach your office location
• Charger connected — open Left when you plug in at night, as a reminder to review your day's progress

To set up an automation: open Shortcuts → Automation tab → tap + → choose a trigger → add the Open Left action → save.

Combining Left with other apps

Shortcuts lets you chain multiple actions. For example: open Left then open your calendar app to review what's coming up. Or: ask for a voice input, create a reminder in Reminders, then open Left to see your deadline context. The possibilities grow as you learn Shortcuts' action library.