OmniFocus is a very automation-friendly app. OmniFocus has an integrated Omni Automation feature that allows you to add “plug-ins” to OmniFocus. When you install plug-ins, you add new features to OmniFocus that help streamline your life and work. OmniFocus also has excellent support for Apple Shortcuts, which can be very helpful for quickly creating new tasks and integrating OmniFocus with other apps.
Automate OmniFocus for Efficiency and Accuracy
There are numerous ways to automate OmniFocus, adding speed and convenience to your use of OmniFocus. We’re here to help you make good use of automation.
Start Simple
Automation might seem like an advanced subject that’s intended for power users. However, even if you’re relatively new to OmniFocus (and automation in general), you can still make good use of automation. When you create a repeating action or project, you’re automating OmniFocus, saving yourself the hassle of repeatedly creating the same task.
The OmniFocus 4: Beyond the Basics course includes an introduction to automation. You’ll learn to tap into OmniFocus’ built-in automation features, including Omni Automation. This course also includes an introduction to Apple Shortcuts.
OmniFocus Plug-Ins
OmniFocus plug-ins add speed and convenience to OmniFocus. We’ve included some of our favourite plug-ins in the OmniFocus Plug-In Directory. To install a plug-in, click the “Install Plug-In” link. One or more features will be added to OmniFocus through the iPhone, iPad and Mac Automation menu. On the Mac and iPad (with hardware keyboard), you can add keyboard shortcuts to the features you use most frequently.
You can use plug-ins, even if you’ve never written a line of code in your life. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can modify existing plug-ins or write your own. Take the Omni Automation – Fundamentals course to learn the basics. If you want to dive deeper, check out the Automating OmniFocus: Guided Tour with Sal Soghoian course. Sal Soghoian works with the Omni Group and is a legend in the world of automation.
Apple Shortcuts
Shortcuts is Apple’s automation app, pre-installed on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. A shortcut can carry out a series of steps across one or more apps, prompting for input as needed. For example, a shortcut could read your calendar and create the actions you need to prepare for an upcoming meeting. Another could take the message you’re reading in Apple Mail and create an action that links back to the message.
Members have access to a meticulously crafted collection of shortcuts for OmniFocus and complementary apps. Each one has been designed and tested to work out of the box, whether or not you know anything about Shortcuts, though we can’t guarantee every one will work perfectly with your setup. You can use them as-is or fine-tune them to suit your needs.
Learn Shortcuts – David Sparks (aka MacSparky), a regular guest on Learn OmniFocus, has an excellent Shortcuts Field Guides that offer an in-depth look at basic and advanced topics.
Keyboard Maestro
Keyboard Maestro is a powerful and easy-to-use app for macOS that allows you to automate things you do regularly and fine-tune your system for maximum efficiency. It’s a natural complement to OmniFocus.
We have a growing library of macros in our Keyboard Maestro Macros for OmniFocus. You can use these macros as is or as a starting point for your own macros.
Learn Keyboard Maestro – David Sparks’ Keyboard Maestro Field Guide that will help you get the most out of Keyboard Maestro. It doesn’t assume any prior knowledge of Keyboard Maestro and is an excellent resource for both new and seasoned Keyboard Maestro users.
Connect with the Learn OmniFocus Community
Do you have questions about automating OmniFocus? Our Office Hours sessions are a great place to get answers on these and other topics. The sessions are available to all Learn OmniFocus members. To allow for maximum interaction, Office Hours sessions are limited to ten participants.