How to Backup and Export iOS 12 Shortcuts

Backing up your iOS 12 Shortcuts library ensures that custom automations are preserved against accidental deletion, device failure, or synchronization issues. While Apple provides built-in iCloud synchronization for the Shortcuts app, creating standalone, manual backups of your shortcuts allows you to archive them locally or restore them independently. This guide explains how to use iCloud sync, export individual shortcuts as standalone files, and perform a full library backup.

Method 1: Enable Automatic iCloud Syncing

The fastest way to safeguard your shortcuts across your Apple devices is by enabling the native iCloud sync feature built into iOS 12.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iOS 12 device.
  2. Scroll down and select Shortcuts.
  3. Toggle the iCloud Sync switch to the On (green) position.

This automatically synchronizes your shortcuts library to iCloud and mirrors changes across all devices signed into the same Apple ID.

Method 2: Export Individual Shortcuts to Files

If you want to save a standalone copy of a specific shortcut file (.shortcut), you can export it using the iOS Share Sheet.

  1. Open the Shortcuts app.
  2. Tap the three-dot icon (...) on the shortcut you want to export to open the editor.
  3. Tap the Share icon (the square with an arrow pointing upward) located in the upper navigation bar.
  4. Select Save to Files.
  5. Choose a destination folder—such as a folder inside iCloud Drive or locally on your iPhone or iPad—and tap Add.

The resulting .shortcut file can be re-imported into the Shortcuts app at any time by opening it from the Files app.

Method 3: Batch Backup Your Entire Library Using a Shortcut

Because iOS 12 does not include a native "Export All" button, the most efficient way to back up your entire collection is by running a dedicated backup shortcut.

You can create a basic backup automation yourself within the app:

  1. Open Shortcuts and tap Create Shortcut.
  2. Add the Get My Shortcuts action.
  3. Add the Make Archive action to package all returned files into a single .zip file.
  4. Add the Save File action and set the destination to your desired directory in iCloud Drive.
  5. Tap Done, name the shortcut "Backup Library," and run it.

Running this action generates a compressed archive containing every shortcut in your library, complete with individual .shortcut files that can be extracted and restored whenever needed.