To create a download shortcut on your iPhone, you'll use the built-in Shortcuts app to automate saving various types of content, such as images, videos, or files, directly from the web or other sources. This allows you to quickly fetch and save content with just a tap or a share.
Understanding Download Shortcuts
A "download shortcut" in the context of your iPhone typically refers to a custom automation created in the Shortcuts app that streamlines the process of fetching content from a URL or an app's share sheet and saving it to your device. This can range from saving a single image to downloading an entire webpage or video.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Custom Download Shortcut
Let's create a versatile "Download File" shortcut that can save content from almost any URL.
1. Start a New Shortcut
- Open the Shortcuts App: Find and tap the Shortcuts app on your iOS or iPadOS device.
- Initiate a New Shortcut: In the upper-right corner of the screen, tap the
+icon. - Name Your Shortcut: Tap New Shortcut, then tap Rename. Type a descriptive name, such as "Download File," and then tap Done.
2. Add Actions for Downloading Content
Now, you'll add the specific actions that tell your shortcut what to do. This is where you define the "download" functionality.
- Tap Add Action: In the shortcut editor, tap Add Action.
- Get Content from URL:
- In the search bar, type and select "Get Contents of URL." This action fetches data from a web address.
- By default, it will show "URL." You'll want this action to get the URL from the content you're sharing, so you don't have to type it every time. We'll set this up next.
- Save the File:
- Tap Add Action again.
- Search for and select "Save File." This action will save the content fetched by "Get Contents of URL."
- Tap the arrow next to "Save File" to expand its options.
- "Ask Where to Save": Toggle this on if you want to choose the destination folder every time you use the shortcut (recommended for flexibility).
- "Show Document Picker": Toggle this on if you want to be able to browse and select folders from iCloud Drive or On My iPhone.
- "Overwrite If File Exists": Decide if you want new downloads to replace existing files of the same name.
- Optional: Add Feedback:
- Tap Add Action again.
- Search for "Show Result" or "Vibrate Device" to get confirmation that the download is complete. If using "Show Result," you can configure it to show "File Saved!"
3. Configure for Easy Access (Share Sheet)
To make your download shortcut readily available when you're browsing the web or using other apps:
- Access Shortcut Details: In the shortcut editor, tap the
iicon (information icon) at the bottom of the screen, or the share icon next to the shortcut's name (depending on your iOS version). - Enable Share Sheet: Toggle "Show in Share Sheet" on.
- Specify Input Types: Tap "Apps & Action Extensions" or "Share Sheet Types" and select "URLs" and potentially "Files" or "Media" to ensure the shortcut appears when sharing these types of content. Tap Done.
- Close Details: Tap Done in the top right corner to save your shortcut.
How to Use Your Download Shortcut
Once created, your "Download File" shortcut is incredibly easy to use:
- Find Content: Open Safari, another web browser, or an app with a URL you want to download content from (e.g., a direct link to an image, PDF, or video).
- Tap Share: Tap the Share icon (the square with an arrow pointing up).
- Select Your Shortcut: Scroll down in the Share Sheet and tap "Download File" (or whatever you named your shortcut).
- Save Location: If you enabled "Ask Where to Save," choose your desired folder (e.g., Downloads folder in iCloud Drive or On My iPhone) and tap Open or Save.
Other Useful Download Shortcut Ideas
The Shortcuts app is highly versatile. Here are other types of download shortcuts you could create:
- Download Image to Photos: Similar to the above, but instead of "Save File," use the "Save to Photo Album" action.
- Download Webpage as PDF: Use the "Make PDF" action after "Get Contents of URL," then "Save File."
- Quick Save from Social Media (Requires specific actions or third-party integrations for some platforms): Shortcuts can sometimes be built to grab media from social links, though this varies by platform's privacy and sharing policies.
- Batch Download from a List of URLs: Combine "Ask for Input" (for multiple URLs) with "Repeat with Each Item" and the "Get Contents of URL" and "Save File" actions.
Essential Actions for Download Shortcuts
Here's a quick overview of key actions you'll often use:
| Action | Purpose | Configuration Options (Common) |
|---|---|---|
Get Contents of URL |
Fetches data (HTML, image, video, document) from a web address. | Method (GET/POST), Headers, Body, Input (often "Share Sheet Input" or "Ask for Input") |
Save File |
Stores any input to a specified location on your device. | Ask Where to Save, Show Document Picker, Destination (iCloud Drive, On My iPhone), Overwrite |
Save to Photo Album |
Specifically saves images and videos to your Photos app. | Album selection |
Make PDF |
Converts various inputs (webpage, text) into a PDF document. | Page Orientation, Margins |
Ask for Input |
Prompts the user for text, numbers, or URLs. | Input Type (Text, Number, URL), Prompt Message |
By leveraging these actions and configuring them appropriately, you can create powerful and custom download shortcuts tailored to your specific needs.
