How to Manage Shortcuts Gallery in iOS 12

This guide explains how to navigate, utilize, and organize shortcut collections from the Shortcuts app Gallery in iOS 12. While Apple curates the featured collections within the Gallery tab, users can easily discover pre-built automations, add them to their personal collection, and customize them to fit their personal workflow.

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iOS 12 device.
  2. Tap the Gallery tab located in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
  3. Scroll horizontally across featured banners or vertically through categorized collections such as "Essentials," "Morning Routine," or "Read It Later."

Adding Shortcuts from a Collection

Because the collections in the Gallery are maintained directly by Apple, you cannot alter the Gallery layout itself. Instead, you manage these shortcuts by importing them into your personal Library:

  1. Tap on any shortcut within a collection to view its details and action steps.
  2. Tap Get Shortcut (or Show Actions to review what the shortcut does prior to installation).
  3. If the shortcut requires configuration (such as entering a preferred location or contact), follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.
  4. The shortcut will now appear in your Library tab.

Organizing Your Imported Shortcuts

Once a shortcut from a collection is added to your Library, you have complete control over its management:

  • Rearrange Shortcuts: Tap the Library tab, tap and hold on any shortcut tile, then drag it to your preferred position. Alternatively, tap Edit in the top-left corner and drag the handles to reorder.
  • Delete Shortcuts: Tap Edit in the Library tab, tap the minus icon on any shortcut you wish to remove, and confirm by tapping Delete.
  • Edit Actions: Tap the three dots (...) on any shortcut tile to inspect or modify its underlying script, variables, or system permissions.
  • Assign Siri Voice Commands: Tap the three dots (...) on a shortcut, tap the settings icon in the top-right corner, select Add to Siri, and record a custom phrase to trigger the shortcut hands-free.