Run a Shortcut from the Command Line with `shortcuts run`

Launch any saved Shortcuts automation directly from Terminal on macOS 12+.

macOSshortcutsautomationproductivityLow risk

Run `shortcuts run "Shortcut Name"` in Terminal to execute that shortcut immediately.

01Command

Command

$ shortcuts run "转换 PNG 为 JPG"

02What it does

macOS ships a `shortcuts` command-line companion to the Shortcuts app. It executes any shortcut in your library and can receive input via arguments or stdin, which makes shortcuts usable inside shell scripts, launchd jobs, and SSH sessions where the Shortcuts window is impractical.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

RequirementsmacOS Monterey (12) or later; the shortcut must exist in the Shortcuts app.

!Warning: The shortcut runs with your full user permissions — never run shortcuts from sources you do not trust. If the name has spaces, quote it exactly as it appears in Shortcuts.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

shortcuts – Run or list shortcuts on macOS
ss64.com · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Documents shortcuts run/list/view, available from macOS 12 Monterey
Shortcuts User Guide for Mac
Apple · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Apple documents creating shortcuts that can then be run from the menu bar or command line

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: System & Settings

06Related solutions

Fake Hacker Activity With genact

macOSTerminalproductivity

Display convincing but entirely fake build or hack output.

Low risk ✓ 2026-09-20